Prevalence of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV Infections in Working Children of Afghan Immigrants in Two Supporting Centers in Tehran and Alborz Provinces, Iran

Abstract

Background: Due to the increasing number of immigrations worldwide, the immigrants' health assessment is a major issue especially in the working children of immigrants. Objectives: In the current study, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections were tested in working children of Afghan immigrants in Iran. Methods: The current cross sectional study was conducted on working children of Afghan immigrants in Sarasiab (Tehran province) and Agh-Tappeh (Alborz province) supporting centers for HBsAg (hepatitis B surface antigen), HCVAb (hepatitis C virus antibody), and HIVAb (HIV antibody) using rapid diagnostic test. For each child, a questionnaire including demographics, life style, and risky behaviors items was filled. Results: In the current study, 339 (54% male) working children of Afghan immigrants with mean ± SD age of 12.83 ± 2.83 years were tested. Two (0.59%; 95% confidence interval (Cl) = 0.16%-2.13%) of the children were positive for HBsAg, while none were positive for HCVAb and HIVAb (0%, 95% Cl = 0%-1.12%). Conclusions: The implementation of neonatal HBV vaccination and prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HBV should be considered in Afghan immigrants in Iran.

Prevalence of HIV, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, drug use, and sexual behaviors among street children in Iran: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…We did sensitivity analyses for different variables. In some variables like HCV, lifetime opium, and lifetime cannabis the heterogeneity was reduced 19,20 …”

“…In some variables like HCV, lifetime opium, and lifetime cannabis the heterogeneity was reduced. 19 , 20 …”

Screening of Occult Hepatitis B and C Virus Infection in Working Children, Tehran, Iran

“…In Iran, among working children, negative results for HCV infection were reported. However, the rate of HBsAg was 0.59% (8). In Iran, among street children, HB-sAg positive, HBsAb, HBcAb, and HCV-Ab were reported to be 3%, 26.6%, 8%, and 3.5%, respectively (37).…”

“…These children are more vulnerable to various infectious diseases, such as human papillomavirus (HPV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), viral hepatitis, and so on. Infection with these viruses threatens this group of children worldwide (8). Notwithstanding, a high rate of mortality and morbidity in working children has been shown to be due to numerous factors, such as inappropriate therapies, lack of facilities for access to medical care, nutritional deficiency, and lack of protection (9).…”

Are Working Children in Developing Countries Hidden Victims of Pandemics?

“…Therefore, the welfare of children during the recent pandemic should be a subject of research interest, as COVID-19 could lead to an increase in the abuse, exploitation and maltreatment of children and violent incidents (Kechagia and Metaxas 2018;Brown et al 2020;Fong and Iarocci 2020;Raman et al 2020;Wu and Xu 2020;Sserwanja et al 2021). Compared to other employed groups, working children are at an increased risk of several infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS and various types of hepatitis (Roggero et al 2007;Naemabadi et al 2019) and to respiratory mobilities (Tiwary et al 2009;Awan et al 2010;Romero et al 2010;Shendell et al 2016) due to a lack of training.…”