Key result
Previous hepatitis A vaccination was strongly associated with HAV seropositivity (aOR 47.2) among children and adolescents in Northern Thailand, with 85% of vaccinated versus 12% of unvaccinated individuals demonstrating immunity.
Why the study?
The study was conducted to assess the seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus antibodies and identify factors associated with seropositivity among children and adolescents in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Cross-Sectional (n=300)
No
Odds Ratio: 47.2 (95% CI 20–111.8)
Absolute Event Rate: 85% vs 12%
p-value: p=<0.001
The relatively low seroprevalence of HAV antibodies among unvaccinated Thai children and adolescents highlights the potential need for incorporating HAV vaccination into the national immunization program.
Low HAV seroprevalence in Northern Thai youth may support vaccination consideration; leaves open optimal strategies for high-risk subgroups.
This cross-sectional study aimed to assess seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) antibodies and identify factors associated with HAV seropositivity among children and adolescents aged 1-18 years who resided in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Sociodemographic characteristics, sanitation/hygiene, and history of HAV vaccination were collected. Anti-HAV IgG antibody was determined, and a level ≥ 1.0 S/CO defined HAV seropositivity. We enrolled 300 participants; median age 8.7 years, 54% male, and 13% overweight (BMI z-score: + 1 to + 2 standard deviation [SD]). Sixty-five participants (22%) were vaccinated against HAV. Overall, 84/300 participants (28%) demonstrated HAV seropositivity, of whom 55/65 (85%) and 29/235 (12%) were among vaccinated and unvaccinated participants (P < 0.001), respectively. Previous HAV vaccination (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 47.2; 95% CI 20.0-111.8) and overweight (aOR 4.4; 95% CI 1.7-11.3, compared with normal weight [BMI z-score: - 2 to + 1 SD]) were significantly associated with seropositivity of HAV. In the stratified analyses, crowded bedroom (aOR 3.2; 95% CI 1.3-7.8, per one person increase) and overweight (aOR 5.0; 95% CI 1.8-13.7) were factors associated with HAV seropositivity among vaccinated and unvaccinated participants, respectively. Seroprevalence of HAV antibodies in healthy Thai children and adolescents was relatively low. Recommendation of HAV vaccination for these populations, particularly those with high-risk conditions, should be considered.
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Kunanitthaworn et al. (2023) conducted a cross-sectional in Hepatitis A virus seropositivity (n=300). Previous HAV vaccination vs. Unvaccinated was evaluated on HAV seropositivity (aOR 47.2, 95% CI 20.0-111.8, p=<0.001). Previous hepatitis A vaccination was strongly associated with HAV seropositivity (aOR 47.2) among children and adolescents in Northern Thailand, with 85% of vaccinated versus 12% of unvaccinated individuals demonstrating immunity.
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