Objectives. A cross-sectional study investigated the association of he
patitis A seropositivity with environmental and personal risk factors
among children in a United States-Mexico border community. Methods. He
patitis A serological cal markers and a questionnaire identifying risk
factors were evaluated for 523 primary school children. Results. Of t
he children studied, 16.9% tested positive for total anti-hepatitis A
virus. Risk factors included being in the first grade, low maternal ed
ucational attainment, living in Mexico for more than 6 months, househo
ld crowding, and inadequate excreta disposal systems. Conclusions. To
decrease enteric disease, improvements in excreta disposal infrastruct
ures and educational programs are needed; Hepatitis A vaccine should b
e administered before school age.