prevalence of hepatitis b, hepatitis c, and hiv infections in working children of afghan immigrants in two supporting centers in tehran and alborz provinces, iran

Background: due to the increasing number of immigrations worldwide, the immigrants’ health assessment is a major issue especially in the working children of immigrants. objectives: in the current study, hepatitis b virus (hbv), hepatitis c virus (hcv), and human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) infections were tested in working children of afghan immigrants in iran. methods: the current cross sectional studywasconductedonworking children of afghan immigrants in sarasiab (tehran province) and agh-tappeh (alborz province) supporting centers for hbsag (hepatitis b surface antigen), hcvab (hepatitis c virus antibody), and hivab (hiv antibody) using rapid diagnostic test. for each child, a questionnaire including demographics, life style, and risky behaviors items was filled. results: in the current study, 339 (54% male) working children of afghan immigrants with meansd age of 12.832.83 years were tested. two (0.59%; 95% confidence interval (cl) = 0.16% - 2.13%) of the children were positive for hbsag, while none were positive for hcvab and hivab (0%, 95% cl = 0% - 1.12%). conclusions: the implementation of neonatal hbv vaccination and prevention of mother-to-child transmission of hbv should be considered in afghan immigrants in iran.