Prevalence of hepatitis B virus chronic carriers and risk factors for hepatitis B virus infection among Lithuanian army soldiers.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of hepatitis B serological markers (hepatitis B virus (HBV) superficial antigen (HBsAg)) and risk factors for HBV infection among Lithuanian Army soldiers. The study was carried out in Lithuanian military subunits in 2003. Serum samples were draw from 1,830 soldiers (average age, 21.6 (0.707) years) and tested for hepatitis B infection markers (HBsAg). Questionnaires were used to obtain information about risk factors associated with HBV infection. A total of 1.97% of soldiers was seropositive for HBsAg. The prevalence rate of HBV infection was related to military subunit (p > 0.05). Most of the HBsAg-positive soldiers (53.8%) served 4 to 6 months. Among soldiers who were offered to use drugs, the prevalence of HBsAg was 4.3%; in the remaining group, the prevalence was 1.9%. No association was found between other risk factors for HBV infection and the prevalence rate of the hepatitis B marker. Study data proved the need for health promotion, prophylactic vaccination, and monitoring programs at the Lithuanian Armed Forces.