Sayamon Hongjaisee1, Woottichai Khamduang2, Patumrat Sripan1, Sirinath Choyrum3, Viraporn Thepbundit3, Nicole Ngo-Giang-Huong4, Arunrat Tangmunkongvorakul5. 1. Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiangmai, Thailand. 2. Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiangmai, Thailand; Infectious Diseases Research Unit, Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiangmai, Thailand. 3. Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiangmai, Thailand. 4. Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiangmai, Thailand; Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Chiangmai, Thailand; Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA. 5. Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiangmai, Thailand. Electronic address: arunrat@rihes.org.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody to hepatitis delta virus (anti-HDV) and associated factors among migrant sex workers in Chiangmai, Thailand. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at various sexual entertainment venues in Chiangmai, Thailand, in 2019. Consenting participants were interviewed using a questionnaire, and plasma was tested for hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers (DiaSorin, Italy) and anti-HDV antibody (DIA.PRO Diagnostic Bioprobes, Italy), if HBsAg-positive. Associations between HBsAg positivity or HDV antibody and potential factors were examined using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 396 migrant sex workers, half of them female, were recruited between February and September 2019. Their median age was 25 years (interquartile range 22-30 years) and 95% were Burmese. Overall, HBsAg prevalence was 11.4%; 8.1% in females and 14.7% in males (Chi-square, p = 0.040). One-third were still susceptible to HBV. No HBsAg-positive participants had anti-HDV antibodies. HBsAg positivity was associated with being male (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25-7.68, p = 0.014), having attended school (aOR 4.50, 95% CI 1.26-15.98, p = 0.020), being separated/divorced/widowed (aOR 5.77, 95% CI 1.48-22.52, p = 0.012), and having unprotected sex (aOR 3.38, 95% CI 1.31-8.71, p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: In this young population, higher HBsAg prevalence in males may be related to sexual transmission, indicating the need for HBV screening programs linked with HBV prevention and care.
OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody to hepatitis delta virus (anti-HDV) and associated factors among migrant sex workers in Chiangmai, Thailand. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at various sexual entertainment venues in Chiangmai, Thailand, in 2019. Consenting participants were interviewed using a questionnaire, and plasma was tested for hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers (DiaSorin, Italy) and anti-HDV antibody (DIA.PRO Diagnostic Bioprobes, Italy), if HBsAg-positive. Associations between HBsAg positivity or HDV antibody and potential factors were examined using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 396 migrant sex workers, half of them female, were recruited between February and September 2019. Their median age was 25 years (interquartile range 22-30 years) and 95% were Burmese. Overall, HBsAg prevalence was 11.4%; 8.1% in females and 14.7% in males (Chi-square, p = 0.040). One-third were still susceptible to HBV. No HBsAg-positive participants had anti-HDV antibodies. HBsAg positivity was associated with being male (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25-7.68, p = 0.014), having attended school (aOR 4.50, 95% CI 1.26-15.98, p = 0.020), being separated/divorced/widowed (aOR 5.77, 95% CI 1.48-22.52, p = 0.012), and having unprotected sex (aOR 3.38, 95% CI 1.31-8.71, p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: In this young population, higher HBsAg prevalence in males may be related to sexual transmission, indicating the need for HBV screening programs linked with HBV prevention and care.
Authors: Alexandra M Bitty-Anderson; Valentine Ferré; Fifonsi A Gbeasor-Komlanvi; Martin Kouame Tchankoni; Arnold Sadio; Mounerou Salou; Diane Descamps; Claver A Dagnra; Charlotte Charpentier; Didier K Ekouevi; Patrick A Coffie Journal: PLoS One Date: 2021-12-10 Impact factor: 3.240