Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Hepatitis C Virus among Juveniles in Correctional Center in Isfahan, Iran

Objectives: juveniles in custody are affected by blood borne virusesdue to high rates of risk behaviors. therefore, they have a disproportionateburden of infectious diseases, such as hepatitis c virus (hcv)infection. the purpose of the present study was to determine prevalenceand associated characteristics of hepatitis c infection in inmatesof a correctional center in isfahan, iran.methods: we conducted a cross-sectional study of hcv infection in160 youths, who were admitted to correctional center in isfahan during2008-2009. subjects were asked questions regarding behaviors thatmight put them at high risk for acquiring hcv and blood was drawnfor this test. sera were analyzed for hcv ab and riba test was performedon antibody-positive hcv. we used chi-square test and logisticregression model to analyze data and p < 0.05 was considered statisticallysignificant.results: a total of 160 young prisoners (147 boys and 13 girls) werestudied. the mean age of the inmates was 16.59 ± 1.24 year. a historyof intravenous drug addiction was reported in 3.8% of them. hcvinfection was detected in 7 (4.4%) subjects. this study revealed thathistory of idu was the main risk factor for hcv (or, 134.44; 95%confidence interval [ci], 7.29-2481.03).conclusions: to prevent hcv transmission, proper drug preventioneducations should be performed in young age prisoners.