Hepatitis B and C in a Brazilian deaf community.

Authors :: Pacher BM
Costa MR
Nascimento MM
Moura MC
Passos AD
Source :: Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical [Rev Soc Bras Med Trop] 2015 Sep-Oct; Vol. 48 (5), pp. 603-6.
Publication Year :: 2015
Abstract: Introduction: Although deaf people are exposed to hepatitis B and C risk factors, epidemiological studies regarding these diseases in deaf people are lacking.<br />Methods: After watching an explanatory digital versatile disc (DVD) in Brazilian Sign Language, 88 deaf people were interviewed and tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs), hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc), and hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV).<br />Results: The prevalence of hepatitis B markers was 8%; they were associated with incarceration and being born outside the State of São Paulo. No cases of hepatitis C were identified.<br />Conclusions: Participants showed a substantial lack of knowledge regarding viral hepatitis, indicating a need for public policies that consider linguistic and cultural profiles.