Changes in the seroepidemiology of hepatitis B infection in Catalonia 1989-1996

The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of hepatitis B markers in a representative sample of 2142 subjects in Catalonia, Spain, and to compare it with previous studies. Multiple logistical regression ana lysis was carried out to determine variables associated with the markers st udied. The prevalence of anti-HBc and HBsAg was 9.1% and 1.2%, respectively . Male gender, urban habitat, birth place outside Catalonia and lower socia l class were associated with the presence of anti-HBc. Carrier status was o nly associated with male gender. Between 1989 and 1996 there was a decrease of 46% in the prevalence of serum HBV markers mainly in the 25-44 (P < 0.0 001) and 35-64 year (P = 0.0002) age groups, in those born in Catalonia (P = 0.003) and in those in the higher social classes (P < 0.0001). These decr eases can be explained by the improved socioeconomic conditions and, partia lly, by the routine pre-adolescent and risk group programmes of immunizatio n. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.