MacLachlan JH, Romero N, Higgins N, Coutts R, Chan R, Stephens N, Cowie BC. Epidemiology of chronic hepatitis B and C in Victoria, Australia: insights and impacts from enhanced surveillance.
Aust N Z J Public Health 2019;
44:59-64. [PMID:
31535439 DOI:
10.1111/1753-6405.12934]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 06/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To assess the impact of an enhanced viral hepatitis surveillance program on data completeness and on epidemiological assessment of affected populations.
METHODS
Notified cases of non-acute hepatitis B and C were analysed to determine demographic characteristics and risk factors during the period prior to July 2015-June 2016, and during enhanced surveillance of the period July 2016-June 2017, during which time doctors were contacted for information about new diagnoses.
RESULTS
During the enhanced period, completeness for country of birth and Indigenous status doubled for both hepatitis B and hepatitis C, from 18-37% to 48-65%. The incidence ratio of hepatitis C among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people increased from eight-fold to 11.4-fold, and the proportion of hepatitis B cases reported as born in China and Vietnam relative to other countries increased. New data fields identified that 12% of hepatitis C diagnoses occurred in a correctional facility, and 2% of hepatitis B cases were healthcare workers.
CONCLUSIONS
Improved data completeness highlighted the underlying epidemiology of chronic viral hepatitis, demonstrating the increased burden of infection among specific priority populations. Implications for public health: Enhanced surveillance provides greater insight into the epidemiology of chronic viral hepatitis, identifying groups at risk and opportunities for public health action.
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