Journal of Adolescent Health
Volume 35, Issue 6 , Pages 505-508, December 2004

Seroprevalence of hepatitis C among a juvenile detention population

  • Gary M. Feldman, M.D. (F.A.A.P., F.A.B.M.G.)

      Affiliations

    • Department of Public Health, County of Riverside, Riverside, California, USA
    • ,
  • Frank Sorvillo, Ph.D.

      Affiliations

    • Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
    • Corresponding Author InformationAddress correspondence to: Dr. Frank Sorvillo, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, UCLA, Box 951772, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1772 USA
    • ,
  • Barbara Cole, M.S.N.

      Affiliations

    • Department of Public Health, County of Riverside, Riverside, California, USA
    • ,
  • William A. Lawrence, M.P.H.

      Affiliations

    • Department of Public Health, County of Riverside, Riverside, California, USA
    • ,
  • Rebecca Mares, B.S.

      Affiliations

    • Department of Public Health, County of Riverside, Riverside, California, USA

Accepted 4 February 2004.

Abstract 

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.

Keywords:  Juvenile detention, Hepatitis C virus, Seroprevalence, Epidemiology, Risk factors, Prevention

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PII: S1054-139X(04)00072-2

doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2004.02.007

Journal of Adolescent Health
Volume 35, Issue 6 , Pages 505-508, December 2004

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