Prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV and risk factors in Irish prisoners: results of a national cross sectional survey.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen, hepatitis C virus, and HIV in the prison population of the Republic of Ireland and to examine risk factors for infection.

Design

Cross sectional, anonymous, unlinked survey, with self completed risk factor questionnaire and provision of oral fluid specimen for antibody testing.

Setting

Nine of the 15 prisons in the Republic of Ireland.

Participants

1366 prisoners, of whom 1205 (57 women) participated. In the smaller prisons all prisoners were surveyed, while in the three largest prisons one half of the population was randomly sampled. Three small prisons believed not to have a problem with injecting drug use were excluded.

Main outcome measures

Prevalence of antibodies to h

SUBMITTER: Allwright S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC27426 | biostudies-literature | 2000 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature