Chronic liver disease mortality attributable to hepatitis B and C in New Zealand

Abstract

Background: This research aimed to estimate the prevalence and population attributable risk percent (PAR%) of hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) infection among chronic liver disease (CLD) deaths in New Zealand. The PAR% is the percentage of CLD cases attributable to either HBV or HCV. Within New Zealand, there are large differences in HBV prevalence by ethnic group, so prevalence and PAR% estimates were made separately for the three major ethnic groups. Methods: The study sample was selected from CLD deaths between 1992 and 1997. Data were extracted from hospital records and coroners' reports. The prevalence and PAR% of HBV and HCV were estimated. Results: Data were extracted for 303 of 359 dece..