Epidemiology of chronic hepatitis B and C in Victoria, Australia: insights and impacts from enhanced surveillance

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 a..