PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS-A ANTIBODIES IN FOOD HANDLERS IN ITALY

The aim of the study was to investigate the anti-HAV prevalence in foo d handlers in the area of Catanzaro, Italy. A cross-sectional survey w as performed by selecting all food handlers attending local health uni ts for routine medical examination during the period from May 1994 thr ough December 1994. A prevalence of 68.7% was recorded in the 294 part icipating subjects, and it increased significantly with increasing age (Chi-square test for trend = 126.95; p < 0.0001). Multiple logistic r egression analysis showed a significant association in the prevalence of anti-HAV with years of activity: food handlers with ten or more yea rs' experience have an adjusted odd ratio of 2.4 (95% CI = 1.01-5.6) c ompared to those with a shorter period of activity. The results indica te that finding and implementing ways to motivate food handlers to use correct infection control measures routinely should be made a priorit y.