http://www.apha.org/journal/abstracts/ab1jan.htm

Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in the United States: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 1976 Through 1994

Geraldine M. McQuillan, PhD, Patrick J. Coleman, PhD, Deanna Kruszon-Moran, MS, Linda A. Moyer, RN, Stephen B. Lambert, MS, and Harold S. Margolis, MD

Objectives. Data from 2 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES), NHANES II (1976­1980) and NHANES III (1988­1994), were analyzed to examine trends in the prevalence of hepatitis B infection in the United States.

Methods. Serum specimens were tested for markers of hepatitis B virus infection, and risk factors were determined from questionnaires.

Results. The overall age-adjusted prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection was 5.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.8, 6.2) in NHANES II, as compared with 4.9% (95% CI = 4.3, 5.6) in NHANES III. In both surveys, Black participants had the highest prevalence of infection (NHANES II, 15.8%; NHANES III, 11.9%). No differences in infection were found in the major racial groups between surveys, except for a decrease among those older than 50 years. Black race, increasing number of lifetime sexual partners, and foreign birth had the strongest independent associations with hepatitis B virus infection.

Conclusions. Testing of participants in 2 national surveys demonstrates no significant decrease in hepatitis B virus infection, despite the availability of hepatitis B vaccine. (Am J Public Health. 1999;89:14­18)

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