[Pediatric-social aspects of the acute and chronic viral types of hepatitis in childhood].

This study analyzes the sanitary, sociofamiliar, cultural and economic aspects of children who have been diagnosed of acute and chronic viral hepatitis. Retrospective data was collected of 249 children. A questionnaire was given to the parents and the information collected was processed in a computer. The results showed that most children had been sent to the hospital without a diagnosis and in chronic hepatitis the diagnosis was delayed for more than a year. The social status did not influence the type of hepatitis. Children with chronic hepatitis active had a worse performance in school. The disease was transmitted to other family members in 30% of cases and hospital expenses were high.