Hepatitis A seroprevalence and contributing factors in the sixth year medical faculty students

Abstract

AIM: Susceptibility to hepatitis A infection is shifting to older ages due to the improvements in the economic and environmental conditions, and increasing in the level of education. However, the severity of the disease increases with age. The aim of this study was to examine hepatitis A seroprevalance and contributing factors in the 6th year medical faculty students in Pamukkale University. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on the 6th year medical faculty students at Pamukkale University in October 2012. 44 students (91.6%) participated in the study. Data is evaluated by descriptive statistics, and either the Pearson Chi-square or the Fisher's test was used to determine the statistical differences between categorical variables. RESULTS: The mean age of the students was 23.7 ± 1.6, and 59.1% of students (n = 26) were women. 12 serum samples (27.3%) were positive for anti-HAV IgG. Fathers' education and the longest lived area identified as independent factors affecting anti-HAV seropositivity. CONCLUSION: As health care personnel, the 6th year medical students are at risk. Either at the beginning of medical education or before clinical training, students should be screened for hepatitis A and catch up immunization programs should be initiated.