Seroprevalence of hepatitis C among a juvenile detention population
Feldman, G.M.; Sorvillo, F.; Cole, B.; Lawrence, W.A.; Mares, R.
Journal of Adolescent Health Official Publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine 35(6): 505-508
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 1879-1972 PMID: 15581531 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2004.02.007Document Number: 237820
The seroprevalence and determinants of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among adolescents in juvenile detention centers in Riverside County was assessed. Among 728 participants, 16 (2.2%, 95% CI 1.1%, 3.3%) demonstrated serologic evidence of HCV infection. Adolescents with a history of injection drug use (adjusted OR = 10.8, 95% CI 2.6, 45.3, P < .001) were more likely to be HCV seropositive, however the frequency of reported injection drug use was just 4%, and only 12% of HCV infection could be attributable to injecting drugs in this population. Additional information is needed on risk factors for HCV infection in adolescent populations. The relatively low level of HCV infection observed in this juvenile detention population underscores the opportunity for implementation of targeted intervention efforts.
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