Abstract
ObjectiveThis study describes and compares prevalence trends of markers for hepatitis B (HBV) from 2004 to 2013 and HBV risk factors between Indigenous and non‐Indigenous prison entrants. MethodsA cross‐sectional survey carried out over two weeks in 2004, 2007, 2010 and 2013 in reception prisons in New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia and Tasmania. ResultsThe study included 2,223 prison entrants; 544 were Indigenous. Indigenous prison entrants had significantly higher hepatitis B core antibody (anti‐HBc) prevalence than non‐Indigenous prisoners in 2004 (29% vs. 18%, P=0.026), 2007 (40% vs. 15%, P<0.001) and 2010 (21% vs. 16% 2010, P=0.002), and similar anti‐HBc prevalence to non‐Indigenous entrants in 2013 (14% vs. 14%, P=0.888), with a significant decline from 2007 for Indigenous entrants (P=0.717)ᶺ. Being more than 30 years old and coming from an area classified as ‘non‐highly accessible’ were associated with anti‐HBc positivity in both populations. For Indigenous prison entrants, first time in prison and survey year was associated with anti‐HBc positivity. For non‐Indigenous participants, a history of injecting drug use and body piercings was associated with anti‐HBc positivity. ConclusionThere are unique risk factors associated with HBV prevalence for both Indigenous and non‐Indigenous prison entrants. Implications for public healthIn developing public health programs and policies for HBV, consideration of similarities and differences of associated HBV risk factors between Indigenous and non‐Indigenous offenders is required.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.