Abstract
ObjectiveTo assess the impact of an enhanced viral hepatitis surveillance program on data completeness and on epidemiological assessment of affected populations. MethodsNotified 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. ResultsDuring 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. ConclusionsImproved data completeness highlighted the underlying epidemiology of chronic viral hepatitis, demonstrating the increased burden of infection among specific priority populations. Implications for public healthEnhanced surveillance provides greater insight into the epidemiology of chronic viral hepatitis, identifying groups at risk and opportunities for public health action.
Highlights
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%
All diagnoses of hepatitis B and hepatitis C are required by jurisdictional public health legislation to be notified to health authorities by the pathology laboratory conducting the test and by the diagnosing doctor.[13]
We analysed all cases of unspecified HBV and HCV infections notified to the Public Health Events Surveillance System (PHESS) of the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) from 1 July 2015 until 30 June 2017
Summary
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 11.4fold, 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
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