Covariates
In the study, according to previous literature, several covariates were
included to adjust the models that described the association of sexual
behavior with HBV Infection. First, demographic characteristics
including age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, marital status,
poverty income ratio (PIR) were selected. The age group was classified
into three categories, namely 18-39, 40-59, 60-69 years. Race/ethnicity
was divided into five categories, including Mexican American, other
Hispanic, non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and other Races,
comprising non-Hispanic multiracial. Education was classified into three
categories, namely less than high school, high school graduate, and more
than high school. The categorization of marital status comprised the
subsequent classifications: married, widowed/divorced/separated, never
married, and living with a
partner[19].
poverty income ratio (PIR) was classified into <1.3, 1.3-1.8,
and
>1.8[20].
Body mass index (BMI) was categorized as <25, 25-30, and ≥30.
Smoking status was classified as never smoking, former smoking, and
current smoking. Second, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection,
HCV infection, and drug use were
collected[6]. All
these variables were categorized as “yes” and “no” group. Third,
indicators of liver function, including albumin (ALB), alanine
aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline
phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), total bilirubin
(TBIL), were included.