Prevalence and correlates of previous hepatitis B vaccination and infection among Latino drug users in New York City

Hepatitis B (HBV) vaccination coverage remains low among drug users (DUs), particularly among Latinos. We hypothesized that acculturation and access to preventive health services may contribute to lower vaccination rates among Latino DUs. Methods: A community-based sample of 228 Latino users of heroin, crack, cocaine, and non users 18 or older was recruited from 12 different neighborhoods in New York City from 2005-2006. We assessed correlates of previous HBV vaccination and infection using polychotomous logistic regression. Acculturation was measured by years living in the U.S. and validated acculturation questions about language use and social activities. Results: The sample was predominantly male (67.1%), aged >=25 years (89.9%), born in the U.S. (70.2%), and heterosexual (85.5%); 80.7% communicated with friends mostly in English or both in English and Spanish. For HBV serology, 22.8% were previously vaccinated, 43.4% were susceptible, and 33.7% were previously infected. 84.6% of the participants had some form of health insurance. Compared to susceptible individuals, those vaccinated were significantly less likely to be age >=25 years (AOR=0.89, 95% CI:0.84,0.94) and to report language acculturation (AOR=0.68, 95% CI:0.46,1.00). Conclusions: Our data suggest a possible association between acculturation and vaccination, where less acculturation may be associated with lower HBV vaccination rates. The lack of English proficiency in the less acculturated group may be a reason for decreased access to preventive services despite insurance status. Existing interventions to increase HBV vaccination among high risk groups should include strategies to decrease barriers to access and reach Latino DUs