Hepatitis B and C infections among homeless adolescents

The lifestyle of homeless adolescents places them at high risk for contracting serious illnesses. This study sought to determine the hepatitis status and predictors of hepatitis infection among 150 homeless adolescents. Each participant took a psychosocial survey and provided a venous blood sample. Most respondents (95%) had engaged in sexual intercourse; approximately 36% indicated they had exchanged sex for food, shelter, or drugs. Youth reported a high rate of consistent condom use, however, 22% tested positive for hepatitis B or C. Homeless youth should be considered a high-risk group for hepatitis B or C virus infection. As hepatitis B vaccination programs have been targeted at school-based youth, most homeless youth are missed by these efforts. Targeted programs are needed to immunize this high-risk group.