Abstract
Evidence on the effectiveness of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection screening and vaccination programs remains rare in China. We used a quasi-experimental method, propensity score matching, to evaluate the effects of a community-based HBV infection detection combined with vaccination (HBVIDV) program in a pilot. Data were retrieved from the HBVIDV program implemented between July 2019 and June 2020. Outcomes were the difference between the treatment and control groups in hepatitis B vaccination (≥1 dose), hepatitis B vaccine series completion (≥3 doses), and serologic evidence of vaccine-mediated immunity. Altogether, 26,180 individuals were included, where 6160 (23.5%) individuals were assigned to the treatment group, and 20,020 (76.5%) individuals were assigned to the control group. After propensity score matching, 5793 individuals were matched. The rates of hepatitis B vaccination, hepatitis B vaccine series completion, and prevalence of vaccine-mediated immunity in the treatment and control groups were 29.0% vs. 17.8%, 22.1% vs. 13.1%, and 38.2% vs. 27.6%, respectively. The HBVIDV program was significantly associated with increased hepatitis B vaccination rate (OR, 1.884, 95% CI 1.725–2.057), hepatitis B vaccine series completion rate (OR, 1.872, 95% CI 1.696–2.065), and prevalence of vaccine-mediated immunity (OR, 1.623, 95% CI 1.501–1.755). The greater magnitude of association between HBVIDV program and outcomes was observed among adults aged 35–54 years and adults who live in rural areas. The HBVIDV program was effective in increasing the hepatitis B vaccination rate, hepatitis B vaccine series completion rate, and prevalence of vaccine-mediated immunity among adults in the pilot. Further focusing the program on special populations and regions may produce more effective results.
Highlights
We analyzed the relationship between the HBV infection detection combined with vaccination (HBVIDV) program and serological evidence of vaccine-mediated immunity after only excluding those younger than 18 years, those with previous history of hepatitis B, and those with no serological examination results
We analyzed the relationship between the HBVIDV program and seAfter applying the exclusion criteria, a total of 26,180 individuals were included in rological evidence of vaccine-mediated immunity in a complete sample set to determine main study
Program were assigned to the treatment group, and 22,020 (76.5%) individuals who only participated in the second wave were assigned to the control group
Summary
The World Health Assembly proposed the global health sector strategy (GHSS) to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030, with a goal of reducing the incidence of chronic hepatitis infection by 90% and reducing the annual deaths owing to hepatitis by 65% [1]. In the past 30 years, China has implemented a series of comprehensive prevention and control measures for hepatitis B, and significant progress has been made. China has gradually narrowed the gap with the 2030 GHSS target of reducing the incidence of chronic hepatitis infection by 90%; there are still some challenges in reducing mortality by 65%. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that approximately 10 million people may die from cirrhosis and liver cancer (most of which are caused by hepatitis B) in China between 2015 and 2030 if effective measures are not undertaken [8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
