Factors associated with hepatitis B virus infection among indigenous communities from Colombia

Abstract

Introduction. Colombia is home to 2 million indigenous people, who live in conditions of poverty, and with health deficiencies, being vulnerable to contracting hepatitis B virus infection (HBV). Amazonas has a high prevalence of the virus, there are barriers to accessing vaccination and as a consequence, part of the population is susceptible to infection.
Objective. To identify factors associated with HBV in Colombian indigenous.
Materials and method. A case-control study in people over 18 years of age from four departments of Colombia. Cases were identified through the national hepatitis B notification registry (2015-2022). Controls were selected and matched to cases (2:1) by age, sex, ethnicity, and department. Through a survey, sociodemographic characteristics, factors associated with contact with body fluids, cultural practices, and vaccination history were identified. The project was approved by ethics committee of Antioquia’s University.
Results. 75 cases and 150 controls from 13 ethnic groups were surveyed. Amazonas contributed 49% of participants, 83% were women and median age of cases was 30 years (IQR 27-37). The associated factors were a family history of hepatitis B, adjusted OR 2.61 (95% CI: 1,09-6,27) and in women, number of pregnancies, adjusted OR 1,61 (95% CI 1,02- 2,54). Vaccination history showed a protective effect, but the association was not significant.
Conclusion. Aspects associated with family life and unprotected sexual relations seem to be responsible for a potential transmission of virus. It was not possible to identify associated cultural practices. Innovative and differential strategies are required for indigenous, to achieve reduction of VHB.