Objective: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an important infectious agent causing acute and chronic morbidity and mortality worldwide with a prevalence of HbsAg seropositivity 1.1%-12.2% in Turkey. The aim of this study was to determine the seropositivity and risk factors for HBV infection in high-school students in Adana. .

Materials and Methods: Of 2480 students of 10 randomly selected high schools, 2352 (94.8%) students completed the questionnaire, and 1512 (60.9%) blood samples were obtained.

Results: Of students, 50.1% were male and 49.9% female. The mean age was 16.5±1 years, 78% of students were negative for all markers; 1.6% HbsAg (+), 2.6% HBcAb and HBsAb (+), 2.4% HBcAb (+), 14.2% HBsAb (+). Of 183 students who declared they had HBV vaccine, 117 (63.9%) were HBsAb (+). There was significant relationship between reported immunization and higher parental education and family income level, between blood transfusion and higher income, between sharing razors and older age, higher grade and male sex, between positive family history for hepatitis and higher parental education, between having an operation and older age, male sex, higher parental educational and income level.

Conclusion: The seropositivity and reported rates of risk factors for HBV are high, and the rate of vaccination is low in the region. Vaccination against HBV should be mandatory not only for children but for adolescents and adults as well.