Prevalence of hepatitis A antibodies in food handlers in Italy.

The aim of the study was to investigate the anti-HAV prevalence in food handlers in the area of Catanzaro, Italy. A cross-sectional survey was performed by selecting all food handlers attending local health units for routine medical examination during the period from May 1994 through December 1994. A prevalence of 68.7% was recorded in the 294 participating subjects, and it increased significantly with increasing age (Chi-square test for trend = 126.95; p < 0.0001). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed a significant association in the prevalence of anti-HAV with years of activity: food handlers with ten or more years' experience have an adjusted odd ratio of 2.4 (95% CI = 1.01-5.6) compared to those with a shorter period of activity. The results indicate that finding and implementing ways to motivate food handlers to use correct infection control measures routinely should be made a priority.