Key result
Birth outside Canada is linked to ~6-fold higher hepatitis A seropositivity versus Canadian-born individuals.
Why the study?
The epidemiology of hepatitis A virus infection in Canada is poorly defined, complex, and changing, complicating the application of current vaccination recommendations.
Population
Canadian population across 34 unique studies
Comparison
Risk factors for HAV infection including Canadian-born vs foreign-born, travel to high risk areas, sexual behavior, and indigenous populations
Design
Systematic review of studies and public health reports
Authors
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Supports adult-focused HAV vaccination in Canada; extends seroprevalence data for immigrant and traveler risk assessment.
Systematic Review
Relative Risk: 5.7 (95% CI 3.6–9)
p-value: p=<0.01
In Canada, hepatitis A acquisition primarily occurs in adulthood, with higher risk among those born outside Canada and travelers to high-risk areas.
Pham et al. (2005) conducted a systematic review in Hepatitis A. Birth outside Canada vs. Canadian-born individuals was evaluated on Hepatitis A seropositivity (RR 5.7, 95% CI 3.6-9.0, p=<0.01). Subjects born outside Canada were approximately 6 times more likely to be seropositive for hepatitis A compared to Canadian-born individuals (RR 5.7).
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