Epidemiology of tobacco use and nicotine dependence in truck drivers.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the epidemiology of tobacco use and nicotine dependence in a sample of truck drivers in Brazil. METHODS: Between 2015 and 2016, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 624 truck drivers who operate on the BR-050 highway in Brazil. Participants were interviewed about sociodemographic data, occupational characteristics, mental health, behavioral data, and tobacco use. Then, the Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence (FTND) was used to verify nicotine dependence in smoking truck drivers. Logistic regression and linear regression were also used to verify factors associated with tobacco use in the previous 30 days and nicotine dependence scores, respectively. RESULTS: The prevalence of tobacco use among truck drivers was 21.1% (n = 132;95%CI: 18.1-24.5). Of the total number of smokers who responded to the FTND (n = 118; 89.4%), most had high/very high nicotinic dependence (68.6%; 95%CI: 59.8-76.3). Tobacco use was associated with absence of religion (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.60; 95%CI: 1.35-5.01), employment relationship of the contract (AOR = 1.98; 95%CI: 1.26-3.13); > 12 hours daily working time (AOR = 1.80; 95%CI: 1.09-2.98) and alcohol use in the previous 30 days (AOR = 2.92; 95%CI: 1.86-4.57). Irregular physical activity was associated with higher scores of nicotine dependence (ß = 1.87; 95%CI: 0.55-3.19). CONCLUSION: The results showed a high prevalence of tobacco use and high/very high nicotine dependence among the truck drivers.

Epidemiology of tobacco use and nicotine dependence in truck drivers

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To investigate the epidemiology of tobacco use and nicotine dependence in a sample of truck drivers in Brazil. METHODS Between 2015 and 2016, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 624 truck drivers who operate on the BR-050 highway in Brazil. Participants were interviewed about sociodemographic data, occupational characteristics, mental health, behavioral data, and tobacco use. Then, the Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence (FTND) was used to verify nicotine dependence in smoking truck drivers. Logistic regression and linear regression were also used to verify factors associated with tobacco use in the previous 30 days and nicotine dependence scores, respectively. RESULTS The prevalence of tobacco use among truck drivers was 21.1% (n = 132;95%CI: 18.1-24.5). Of the total number of smokers who responded to the FTND (n = 118; 89.4%), most had high/very high nicotinic dependence (68.6%; 95%CI: 59.8-76.3). Tobacco use was associated with absence of religion (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.60; 95%CI: 1.35-5.01), employment relationship of the contract (AOR = 1.98; 95%CI: 1.26-3.13); > 12 hours daily working time (AOR = 1.80; 95%CI: 1.09-2.98) and alcohol use in the previous 30 days (AOR = 2.92; 95%CI: 1.86-4.57). Irregular physical activity was associated with higher scores of nicotine dependence (β = 1.87; 95%CI: 0.55-3.19). CONCLUSION The results showed a high prevalence of tobacco use and high/very high nicotine dependence among the truck drivers.

Temporal trend and spatial distribution of syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis in Goiás, Brazil, 2007-2017: an ecological study. / Tendência temporal e distribuição espacial da sífilis gestacional e congênita em Goiás, 2007-2017: um estudo ecológico.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze temporal trend and spatial distribution of syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis in Goiás State, Brazil, between 2007 and 2017. METHODS: This was an ecological time series and spatial distribution study with data obtained from the Notifiable Health Conditions Information System. Prais-Winsten Regression was used to analyze indicator trends by health macro-region. Descriptive spatial analysis was performed to verify case distribution in three different years in the period. RESULTS: Between 2007 and 2017, 7,679 cases of syphilis in pregnancy and 1,554 congenital syphilis cases were reported. A rising trend was found in the rates of syphilis in pregnancy (annual percent change [APC] = 18.0 - 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 15.3;20.8) as well as in congenital syphilis rates (APC=16.8 - 95%CI 20.1;33.8); and a 326% increase in the number of municipalities with a congenital syphilis incidence rate >0.5/1,000 live births. CONCLUSION: Growth in syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis detection rates was identified, as was growth in the number of municipalities reporting cases.

Tendência temporal e distribuição espacial da sífilis gestacional e congênita em Goiás, 2007-2017: um estudo ecológico / Tendencia temporal y distribución espacial de la sífilis gestacional y congénita en Goiás, Brasil, 2007-2017: un estudio ecológico / Temporal trend and spatial distribution of syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis in Goiás, Brazil, 2007-2017: an ecological study

Objetivo: Analisar a tendência temporal e a distribuição espacial de sífilis gestacional (SG) e sífilis congênita (SC) em Goiás, Brasil, no período 2007-2017. Métodos: Estudo ecológico de série temporal com dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação. Utilizou-se a regressão de Prais-Winsten para analisar a tendência dos indicadores, por macrorregião de saúde. Realizou-se análise espacial descritiva para verificar a distribuição espacial dos casos, em três anos da série. Resultados: Foram registrados 7.679 casos de SG e 1.554 de SC no período. Observou-se tendência crescente das taxas de detecção de SG (variação percentual anual [VPA] de 18,0 ­ intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC95%] de 15,3 a 20,8) e de SC (VPA=16,8 ­ IC95% 20,1;33,8); e um acréscimo de 326% no número de municípios com taxa de incidência de SC >0,5/1 mil nascidos vivos. Conclusão: Foi identificado crescimento das taxas de detecção da sífilis gestacional e congênita e do número de municípios notificantes.

Objetivo: Analizar la tendencia temporal y distribución espacial de la sífilis gestacional (SG) y la sífilis congénita (SC) en Goiás, Brasil, entre 2007 y 2017. Métodos: Estudio de series temporales y enfoque espacial con datos del Sistema de Información para Enfermedades de Notificación. Se utilizó la regresión de Prais-Winsten para analizar la tendencia de los indicadores por macroregión de salud. Fue realizado un análisis espacial para verificar la distribución espacial de los casos en tres años de la serie. Resultados:Se registraron 7.679 casos de sífilis gestacional y 1.554 casos de congénita. Hubo una tendencia creciente en las tasas de detección de SG con (Variación Porcentual Anual [VPA] de 18,0 ­ intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%] de 15,3 a 20,8) y de SC (VPA=16,8 ­ IC95% 20,1; 33,8); y un aumento del 326% en el número de municipios con una tasa de incidencia de sífilis congénita >0,5/1000 nacidos vivos. Conclusión: Se identificó um aumento creciente de sífilis gestacional y sífilis congénita y del número de municipios notificantes en Goiás.

Objective: To analyze temporal trend and spatial distribution of syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis in Goiás State, Brazil, between 2007 and 2017. Methods: This was an ecological time series and spatial distribution study with data obtained from the Notifiable Health Conditions Information System. Prais-Winsten Regression was used to analyze indicator trends by health macro-region. Descriptive spatial analysis was performed to verify case distribution in three different years in the period. Results: Between 2007 and 2017, 7,679 cases of syphilis in pregnancy and 1,554 congenital syphilis cases were reported. A rising trend was found in the rates of syphilis in pregnancy (annual percent change [APC] = 18.0 ­ 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 15.3;20.8) as well as in congenital syphilis rates (APC=16.8 ­ 95%CI 20.1;33.8); and a 326% increase in the number of municipalities with a congenital syphilis incidence rate >0.5/1,000 live births. Conclusion: Growth in syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis detection rates was identified, as was growth in the number of municipalities reporting cases.

Temporal trend and spatial distribution of gestational and congenital syphilis from Goiás, Brazil, 2007-2017: an ecological study / Tendencia temporal y distribución espacial de la sífilis gestacional y congénita en Goiás, Brasil, 2007-2017: un estudio ecológico / Tendência temporal e distribuição espacial da sífilis gestacional e congênita em Goiás, 2007-2017: um estudo ecológico

Objective. To analyze temporal trend and spatial distribution of syphilis gestational and congenital syphilis among live-born infants in Goiás State, Brazil, between 2007 and 2017. Methods. Ecological time series and spatial distribution study with data obtained from the Notifiable Diseases Information System. Prais-Winstein Regression was used to analyze the trend of indicators by health macro-region. Descriptive spatial analysis was performed to verify distribution from three years of that period. Results. Between 2007 and 2017, 7,679 cases of syphilis gestational and 1,554 of congenital syphilis were reported. There was a linear increase in detection rates of syphilis gestational VariationPercentualAnnual: 18.0 ­ confidence interval 95% [95%CI] of 15.3 to 20.8) and congenital (VPA=16.8 ­ 95%CI 20.1;33.8); and a 326% increase in the number of municipalities with a congenital syphilis incidence rate >0.5/1,000 live births. Conclusion. A continuous increase in syphilis gestational and congenital syphilis was identified in different health regions from Goiás.

Objetivo. Analisar a tendência temporal e distribuição espacial de sífilis gestacional (SG) e sífilis congênita (SC) em Goiás, Brasil, no período 2007-2017. Métodos. Estudo ecológico de série temporal com dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação. Utilizou-se a regressão de Prais-Winstein para analisar a tendência dos indicadores, por macrorregião de saúde. Realizou-se análise espacial descritiva para verificar a distribuição espacial dos casos, em três anos da série. Resultados. Foram registrados 7.679 casos de SG e 1.554 de SC no período. Observou-se tendência crescente das taxas de detecção de SG (variação percentual anual [VPA] de 18,0 ­ intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC95%] de 15,3 a 20,8) e de SC (VPA=16,8 ­ IC95% 20,1;33,8); e um acréscimo de 326% no número de municípios com taxa de incidência de SC >0,5/1000 nascidos vivos. Conclusão. Foi identificado crescimento das taxas de detecção da sífilis gestacional e congênita e do número de municípios notificantes.

Qualidade de vida de estudantes do curso técnico em enfermagem / Quality of life of nursing technical course students

Objetivo: investigar a qualidade de vida de estudantes do curso técnico em enfermagem e os desafios associados à formação profissional. Método: trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, descritivo, observacional, transversal e analítico, com discentes de uma instituição federal de ensino. Coletaram-se os dados utilizando o questionário WHOQOL-breve e o formulário com variáveis complementares. Empregaram-se, na análise bivariada, o teste t de student e a correlação de Pearson. Realizou-se a análise de regressão linear múltipla para verificar os fatores associados aos escores de qualidade de vida (p<0,05). Resultados: compôs-se o estudo por 165 discentes. Evidenciou-se, no domínio social, melhor avaliação média e a pior avaliação foi o domínio meio ambiente. Encontraram-se discentes com vontade de desistir do curso com escore médio de qualidade de vida menor em todos os domínios, sendo que aqueles que relataram dificuldade de se manter no curso por razões financeiras tiveram escores menores nos domínios físico (p=0,024) e ambiental (p<0,001). Conclusão: aferiu-se a pior qualidade de vida entre discentes com fragilidades nas redes de apoio social e financeira, o que pode impactar o rendimento escolar e o risco de evasão.(AU)

Objective: to investigate the quality of life of nursing technical students and the challenges associated with vocational training. Method: this is a quantitative, descriptive, observational, cross-sectional and analytical study with students from a federal educational institution. Data was collected using the WHOQOL-brief questionnaire and the form with complementary variables. In the bivariate analysis, the Student's t test and Pearson's correlation were used. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to verify factors associated with quality of life scores (p <0.05). Results: the study was composed by 165 students. In the social domain, the best average rating was evidenced and the worst one was the environment domain. Students were willing to drop out of the course with a lower average quality of life score in all domains, and those who reported difficulty in maintaining the course for financial reasons had lower scores in the physical (p = 0.024) and environmental domains. (p <0.001). Conclusion: the worst quality of life was assessed among students with weaknesses in social and financial support networks, which may impact school performance and the risk of dropout.(AU)

Objetivo: investigar la calidad de vida de los estudiantes técnicos de enfermería y los desafíos asociados con la formación profesional. Método: este es un estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo, observacional, transversal y analítico con estudiantes de una institución educativa federal. Los datos fueron recolectados utilizando el cuestionario breve WHOQOL y el formulario con variables complementarias. En el análisis bivariado, se utilizaron la prueba t de Student y la correlación de Pearson. Se realizó un análisis de regresión lineal múltiple para verificar los factores asociados con los puntajes de calidad de vida (p <0.05). Resultados: el estudio estuvo compuesto por 165 estudiantes. En el dominio social, se evidenció la mejor calificación promedio y la peor fue el dominio del medio ambiente. Los estudiantes estaban dispuestos a abandonar el curso con un puntaje promedio de calidad de vida más bajo en todos los dominios, y aquellos que informaron dificultades para mantener el curso por razones financieras tuvieron puntajes más bajos en el dominio físico (p = 0.024) y ambiental (p <0,001). Conclusión: se evaluó la peor calidad de vida entre los estudiantes con debilidades en las redes de apoyo social y financiero, lo que puede afectar el rendimiento escolar y el riesgo de abandono escolar. (AU)

Syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis and their relationship with Family Health Strategy coverage, Goiás, Brazil, 2007-2014: an ecological study. / Sífilis gestacional e congênita e sua relação com a cobertura da Estratégia Saúde da Família, Goiás, 2007-2014: um estudo ecológico.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the incidence of syphilis in pregnant women (SPW) and congenital syphilis (CS) and the correlation of these indicators with Family Health Strategy (FHS) coverage in Goiás, Brazil, from 2007 to 2014. METHODS: this was an ecological study using Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) data and data from the Health Ministry's Department of Primary Care; Spearman's correlation was used to evaluate the relationship between FHS coverage and syphilis incidence. RESULTS: SPW incidence increased from 2.8 to 9.5/1,000 live births, while CS incidence increased from 0.3 to 2.5/1,000 live births (p<0.05) in the period 2007-2014; there was a significant increase in CS cases in municipalities with percentage FHS coverage below 75% (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: the concomitant increase in SPW and CS incidence suggests failures in the prevention of vertical transmission of syphilis, especially in regions with lower FHS coverage.

Sífilis gestacional e congênita e sua relação com a cobertura da Estratégia Saúde da Família, Goiás, 2007-2014: um estudo ecológico / Sífilis gestacional y congénita y su relación con la cobertura de la Estrategia Salud de la Familia, Goiás, Brasil, 2007-2014: un estudio ecológico / Syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis and their relationship with Family Health Strategy coverage, Goiás, Brazil, 2007-2014: an ecological study

Objetivo: analisar a incidência de sífilis em gestante (SG) e sífilis congênita (SC) e a correlação desses indicadores com a cobertura da Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) em Goiás, Brasil, de 2007 a 2014. Métodos: estudo ecológico utilizando dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan) e do Departamento de Atenção Básica (DAB)/Ministério da Saúde; utilizou-se a correlação de Spearman para avaliar a relação entre cobertura da ESF e a incidência de sífilis. Resultados: a incidência de SG passou de 2,8 para 9,5/mil nascidos vivos, e a de SC, de 0,3 para 2,5/mil nascidos vivos (p<0,05), no período 2007-2014; houve aumento significativo de casos de SC nos municípios que apresentaram percentuais de cobertura da ESF inferiores a 75% (p<0,001). Conclusão: o aumento concomitante da incidência de SG e de SC sugere falhas na prevenção da transmissão vertical da sífilis, sobretudo nas regiões com menor cobertura da ESF.

Objetivo: analizar la incidencia de sífilis en gestante (SG) y sífilis congénita (SC) y la correlación de esos indicadores con la cobertura de la Estrategia Salud de la Familia (ESF) en Goiás, Brasil, de 2007 a 2014. Métodos: estudio ecológico utilizando datos del Sistema de Información de Agravamientos de Notificación (Sinan) y del Departamento de Atención Básica (DAB)/Ministerio de la Salud; se utilizó la correlación de Spearman para evaluar la relación entre la cobertura de la ESF y la incidencia de sífilis. Resultados: la incidencia de SG pasó de 2,8 a 9,5/1.000 nacidos vivos, y la de SC, de 0,3 a 2,5/1.000 nacidos vivos (p<0,05) en el período 2007-2014; hubo un aumento significativo de casos de SC en los municipios que presentaron un porcentaje de cobertura de la ESF inferior al 75% (p<0,001). Conclusión: el aumento concomitante de la incidencia de SG y de SC sugiere fallas en la prevención de la transmisión vertical de la sífilis, sobre todo en las regiones con menor porcentaje de cobertura de la ESF.

Objective: to analyze the incidence of syphilis in pregnant women (SPW) and congenital syphilis (CS) and the correlation of these indicators with Family Health Strategy (FHS) coverage in Goiás, Brazil, from 2007 to 2014. Methods: this was an ecological study using Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) data and data from the Health Ministry's Department of Primary Care; Spearman's correlation was used to evaluate the relationship between FHS coverage and syphilis incidence. Results: SPW incidence increased from 2.8 to 9.5/1,000 live births, while CS incidence increased from 0.3 to 2.5/1,000 live births (p<0.05) in the period 2007-2014; there was a significant increase in CS cases in municipalities with percentage FHS coverage below 75% (p<0.001). Conclusion: the concomitant increase in SPW and CS incidence suggests failures in the prevention of vertical transmission of syphilis, especially in regions with lower FHS coverage.

Higiene das mãos e prevenção da influenza: conhecimento de discentes da área da saúde / Higiene de las manos y prevención de la influenza: conocimiento de los discentes del área de la salud / Hand hygiene and influenza prevention: knowledge of health students

RESUMO Objetivo: descrever e analisar o conhecimento de discentes da área da saúde sobre higiene das mãos e a prevenção e transmissão do vírus influenza. Método: estudo transversal conduzido em discentes de dois campus de formação na área da saúde do Instituto Federal de Goiás, realizado nos meses de janeiro e fevereiro de 2017. Foram atribuídos escores para avaliação do nível de conhecimento em relação a higiene das mãos (componente 1), prevenção e transmissão do vírus influenza (componente 2) e ambos os componentes (componente global). Resultados: participaram da pesquisa 262 discentes. Foi encontrado maior percentual de erro nos questionamentos envolvendo transmissão do vírus influenza, compartilhamento de objetos de uso pessoal e manutenção de ambientes ventilados. O estudo evidenciou ainda falhas no conhecimento referente à higiene das mãos, momentos preconizados para sua realização, e alguns aspectos da técnica. Os escores médios de conhecimento foram de 83,9% (IC 95%: 82,6 a 85,2), 86,2% (IC 95%: 84,4-87,9) e 82,8% (IC 95%: 81,3-84,2) para os componentes 1, componente 2 e componente global, respectivamente. Conclusão: o estudo identificou lacunas no conhecimento dos discentes sobre a higiene das mãos, prevenção e transmissão do vírus influenza, apontando para a importância da abordagem dos conteúdos na prática de ensino e formação de futuros profissionais de saúde.

RESUMEN Objetivo: describir y analizar el conocimiento de los discentes del área de la salud sobre la higiene de las manos y la prevención y transmisión del virus influenza. Método: estudio transversal conducido en los discentes de dos campus de formación en el área de la salud del Instituto Federal de Goiás (Brasil), realizado durante los meses de enero y febrero del 2017. Fueron atribuidos los resultados para la evaluación del nivel de conocimiento en relación a la higiene de las manos (componente 1), prevención y transmisión del virus influenza (componente 2) y ambos componentes (componente global). Resultados: participaron del estudio 262 discentes. Se encontró un porcentaje mayor de errores en las preguntas relacionadas con la transmisión del virus influenza, compartimiento de objetos de uso personal y mantenimiento de ambientes ventilados. El estudio evidenció, además, la falta de conocimiento referente a la higiene de las manos, los momentos preconizados para su realización y algunos aspectos de la técnica. Los resultados medios del conocimiento fueron de 83,9% (IC 95%: 82,6 a 85,2), 86,2% (IC 95%: 84,4-87,9) y 82,8% (IC 95%: 81,3-84,2) para el componente 1, el componente 2 y el componente global, respectivamente. Conclusión: el estudio identificó algunos vacíos en el conocimiento de los discentes sobre la higiene de las manos, prevención y transmisión del virus influenza, mostrando la importancia del abordaje de los contenidos en la práctica de la enseñanza y formación de futuros profesionales de la salud.

ABSTRACT Objective: to describe and analyze the knowledge of health students regarding hand hygiene and the prevention and transmission of the influenza virus. Method: a cross-sectional study conducted with students from two campuses of health training of the Institute Federal de (brazil) Goiás, conducted in January and February 2017. Scores were evaluated for the level of knowledge regarding hand hygiene (component 1) and the prevention and transmission of the influenza virus (component 2) and both components (global component). Results: 262 students participated in the study. A higher percentage of errors was found in the questions involving transmission of the influenza virus, sharing of personal use objects and keeping environments ventilated. The study also revealed shortcomings in the knowledge regarding hand hygiene, moments recommended for its performance and some aspects of the technique. The mean knowledge scores were 83.9% (95% CI: 82.6-85.2), 86.2% (95% CI: 84.4-87.9) and 82.8% (CI 95 %: 81.3-84.2) for component 1, component 2 and the global component, respectively. Conclusion: the study identified gaps in the knowledge of the students regarding hand hygiene and the prevention and transmission of the influenza virus, indicating the importance of the inclusion of this content in the teaching and training practice of future health professionals.

Epidemiology of hepatitis B virus infection among recyclable waste collectors in central Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: The collection of recyclable waste materials is a widespread activity among the urban poor. Today, this occupation attracts an increasingly large number of individuals. Despite its economic and environmental importance, this activity is associated with unsafe and unhealthy working conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the seroepidemiological profile of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in a population of recyclable waste collectors in central Brazil. METHODS: Recyclable waste collectors from all 15 recycling cooperatives in Goiânia City were invited to participate in the study. The participants (n = 431) were interviewed and screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies against HBsAg (anti-HBs) and hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). HBsAg- and anti-HBc-positive samples were tested for HBV DNA and genotyped. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of HBV infection (HBsAg- and/or anti-HBc-positive) was 12.8%. An age over 40 years and illicit drug use were associated with HBV infection. HBV DNA was detected in 2/3 HBsAg-positive samples and in 1/52 anti-HBc-positive/HBsAg-negative samples (an occult HBV infection rate of 1.9%), in which the genotypes/subgenotypes A/A1, D/D3 and F/F2 were identified. Only 12.3% of the recyclable waste collectors had serological evidence of previous HBV vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the vulnerability of recyclable waste collectors to HBV infection and reinforce the importance of public health policies that address the health and safety of this socially vulnerable population.

Epidemiology of hepatitis B virus infection among recyclable waste collectors in central Brazil

Introduction: The collection of recyclable waste materials is a widespread activity among the urban poor. Today, this occupation attracts an increasingly large number of individuals. Despite its economic and environmental importance, this activity is associated with unsafe and unhealthy working conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the seroepidemiological profile of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in a population of recyclable waste collectors in central Brazil. Methods: Recyclable waste collectors from all 15 recycling cooperatives in Goiânia City were invited to participate in the study. The participants (n = 431) were interviewed and screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies against HBsAg (anti-HBs) and hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). HBsAg- and anti-HBc-positive samples were tested for HBV DNA and genotyped. Results: The overall prevalence of HBV infection (HBsAg- and/or anti-HBc-positive) was 12.8%. An age over 40 years and illicit drug use were associated with HBV infection. HBV DNA was detected in 2/3 HBsAg-positive samples and in 1/52 anti-HBc-positive/HBsAg-negative samples (an occult HBV infection rate of 1.9%), in which the genotypes/subgenotypes A/A1, D/D3 and F/F2 were identified. Only 12.3% of the recyclable waste collectors had serological evidence of previous HBV vaccination. Conclusions: These findings highlight the vulnerability of recyclable waste collectors to HBV infection and reinforce the importance of public health policies that address the health and safety of this socially vulnerable population. .

Occult hepatitis B virus infection among injecting drug users in the Central-West Region of Brazil.

The prevalence of occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection was investigated in 149 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) negative injecting drug users (IDUs) in the Central-West Region of Brazil. Of these individuals, 19 were positive for HBV DNA, resulting in an occult HBV infection prevalence of 12.7% (19/149); six of these 19 individuals had anti-HBV core and/or anti-HBV surface antibodies and 13 were negative for HBV markers. All IDUs with occult hepatitis B reported sexual and/or parenteral risk behaviours. All HBV DNA-positive samples were successfully genotyped. Genotype D was the most common (17/19), followed by genotype A (2/19). These findings reveal a high prevalence of occult HBV infection and the predominance of genotype D among IDUs in Brazil's Central-West Region.

Occult hepatitis B virus infection among injecting drug users in the Central-West Region of Brazil

The prevalence of occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection was investigated in 149 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) negative injecting drug users (IDUs) in the Central-West Region of Brazil. Of these individuals, 19 were positive for HBV DNA, resulting in an occult HBV infection prevalence of 12.7% (19/149); six of these 19 individuals had anti-HBV core and/or anti-HBV surface antibodies and 13 were negative for HBV markers. All IDUs with occult hepatitis B reported sexual and/or parenteral risk behaviours. All HBV DNA-positive samples were successfully genotyped. Genotype D was the most common (17/19), followed by genotype A (2/19). These findings reveal a high prevalence of occult HBV infection and the predominance of genotype D among IDUs in Brazil's Central-West Region.