[Study on changes in hepatitis B incidence in China, 1990-2017]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Infectious Disease Surveillance

Background:

• Hepatitis B remains a significant public health concern globally and in China.
• Understanding long-term trends in hepatitis B morbidity and mortality is essential for effective control.
• Analyzing epidemiological data provides insights into disease burden and population impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze changes in hepatitis B morbidity and mortality in China between 1990 and 2017.
• To provide evidence-based insights for the development of hepatitis B prevention and control strategies.
• To identify demographic and geographic variations in hepatitis B incidence and mortality trends.

Main Methods:

• Utilized reported incidence and mortality data for hepatitis B from the Data-Center of China Public Health Science (1990-2017).
• Employed Joinpoint regression analysis to estimate average annual percent changes in incidence and mortality across age groups and provinces.
• Statistical analysis and data visualization were performed using R software.

Main Results:

• Over 20.7 million hepatitis B cases were reported in China from 1990-2017, with an average incidence of 58.19/100,000.
• Highest incidence was observed in the 25-29 age group, with increasing trends in those aged 45 and above.
• Incidence increased in 23 provinces, stabilized in 7, and decreased in 2, with higher case fatality rates in the elderly (85+ years).

Conclusions:

• Hepatitis B reporting is predominantly from the adult population, with an increasing incidence trend in this group.
• Eastern China shows stabilized incidence due to immunization and advanced treatment, while western China experiences increasing rates.
• Tailored prevention and control strategies are necessary for different provinces based on their specific epidemiological trends.