Factors Associated with Anti-HBs Seroprotection Among Children Aged 10-18 Years Old in Bangkalan Islamic Boarding School, Indonesia

Abstract

Hepatitis B (HB) is a liver inflammation due to Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Currently, HB immunization is included in the national immunization program and significantly decreases the incidence of HB. However, previous evidence reported that formed anti-HBs are low or even absent among individuals with complete HB immunization. This study aims to analyse the factors associated with long-term seroprotection against HBV infection among children aged 10-18 years in Bangkalan Islamic boarding school, Indonesia. This study was conducted at the Bangkalan Islamic Boarding School, Madura, Indonesia in January 2022. A total of 100 healthy children aged 10-18 years old (45% boys) were included. Baseline characteristics such as age, sex, nutritional status, immunization status, and anti-HBs levels were collected. Thirteen participants had seropositive anti-HBs, while 87 participants did not. Age and immunization status was associated with seropositive anti-HBs with a p-value of 0,013 and 0,034, respectively. On the contrary, sex and nutritional status based on BMI did not associate with anti-HBs status. Additional boosters’ immunization for adolescents in Indonesia could be considered to prevent HBV infection and chronic HB. Further studies are needed to explore the protection duration of complete HB immunization.