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. 2019 Feb;21(1):39-46.
doi: 10.1007/s10903-018-0705-x.

Evaluation of Hepatitis B Virus Screening, Vaccination, and Linkage to Care Among Newly Arrived Refugees in Four States, 2009-2011

Kiren Mitruka  1   2 , Clelia Pezzi  3 , Brittney Baack  4   5 , Heather Burke  3 , Jennifer Cochran  6 , Jasmine Matheson  7 , Kailey Urban  8 , Marisa Ramos  9 , Kathy Byrd  4   10
Affiliations

Evaluation of Hepatitis B Virus Screening, Vaccination, and Linkage to Care Among Newly Arrived Refugees in Four States, 2009-2011

Kiren Mitruka et al. J Immigr Minor Health. 2019 Feb.

Abstract

Many U.S.-bound refugees originate from countries with intermediate or high hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection prevalence and have risk for severe liver disease. We evaluated HBV screening and vaccination of newly arrived refugees in four states to identify program improvement opportunities. Data on HBV testing at domestic health assessments (1/1/2009-12/31/2011) were abstracted from state refugee health surveillance systems. Logistic regression identified correlates of infection. Over 95% of adults aged ≥19 years (N = 24,647) and 50% of children (N = 12,249) were tested. Among 32,107 refugees with valid results, the overall infection prevalence was 2.9% (0.76-9.25%); HBV prevalence reflected the burden in birth countries. Birth in the Western Pacific region carried the greatest infection risk (adjusted prevalence ratio = 4.8, CI 2.9, 7.9). Care linkage for infection was unconfirmed. Of 7409 susceptible persons, 38% received 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine. Testing children, documenting care linkage, and completing 3-dose vaccine series were opportunities for improvement.

Keywords: Hepatitis B virus; Refugees; Screening; Vaccination.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest This work was supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. All authors have no conflicts of interest.

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