Measles, Rubella, Mumps and Hepatitis B Seroprevalence among the Female Medical Students

Abstract

SUMMARY AIM: Measles, rubella, mumps and viral hepatitis is still a considerable health problem around the world. The risk of contamination of health care workers is higher related to occupational causes. The aim of the study was to research the measles, rubella, mumps and hepatitis B seroprevalence among the female students of Medical Faculty and to apply the vaccines whom need the vaccination. METHOD: This descriptive study was conducted among female students attending Meram Medical Faculty of Selcuk University. Age and sociodemographic characteristics of 351 female students who participated in the study were recorded on the prepared forms. Serum specific IgG levels for measles, rubella, mumps, HBsAg and anti HBs levels were measured in the serum patterns of the participants. Statistical analyses were perfor¬med using SPSS version 13.0. RESULTS: The mean age of the students was 20.5 years (min=16.0, max=29.0). Measles, rubella, and mumps seropositivity were 91.6%, 97.2% and 93.5% respectively. Of the students, 0.7% (n=2) had HBs Ag seropositivity, 42.4% (n=149) had antiHBs seronegativity. The rates of the measles, rubella, and mumps seropositivity were very high among the female students. Sixty two female students (17.7%) required the measles mumps rubella vaccine (MMR). One hundred forty nine female students who have antiHBs seronegativity needed hepatitis B vaccination. CONCLUSION: In order to eradicate measles, mumps, rubella it is necessary that use of MMR vaccine should be expanded nationwide rapidly by the Ministry of Health; the regulation should be revised to include the children born before 2005.