Abstract:

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of acute hepatitis B in Anhui Province and the vaccination status of the vaccine for evidences in prevention and control of this condition. Methods The data on acute hepatitis B cases reported in Anhui Province from 2012 to 2024 were retrieved through the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System, and the reported vaccination rates of hepatitis B vaccine were collected through the National Immunization Program Information System. Descriptive epidemiology was used to analyze the characteristics of temporal, regional and population distribution as well as the vaccination status in population. The Joinpoint regression model was used to analyze the temporal trend of incidence rates, and the annual percent change (APC) and average annual percent change (AAPC) were calculated. Results From 2012 to 2024, a total of 18 019 cases of acute hepatitis B were reported in Anhui Province, with an average annual incidence rate of 2.23 per 100 000 population. Joinpoint regression analysis indicated that the incidence rate of acute hepatitis B showed an overall downward trend during 2012-2024 (AAPC= -10.52%, t=-8.13, P<0.01), and the decline was particularly significant from 2018 to 2024 (APC=-16.20%, t=-6.05, P<0.01). Cases were reported throughout the year, with the highest number of reports in March (n=1 639; 9.10%). The top three regions with the highest average annual incidence rates were Suzhou City (7.87/100 000), Xuancheng City (2.56/100 000), and Huangshan City (2.12/100 000). Of the reported cases, 11 404 were males and 6 615 were females. The age of onset was mainly concentrated among individuals aged 30~44 (n=5 318; 29.51%). The farmers were dominant by occupation (n=13 303; 73.83%). The full vaccination rate of hepatitis B vaccine in Anhui Province from 2012 to 2024 was all above 99.00%, and the timely first-dose vaccination rate within 24 hours, except for 2021 (89.78%) and 2022 (89.88%), remained above 90.00%. Conclusion The incidence of acute hepatitis B in Anhui Province is on a downward trend, and the hepatitis B vaccine is maintained at a high level of inoculation. The findings suggest that the prevention and control of hepatitis B should be strengthened in high-incidence areas (Suzhou) and high-risk groups (farmers) across the whole province, as well as enhance the inoculation of hepatitis B vaccine.

Key words: Acute viral hepatitis B, Epidemiological characteristics, Hepatitis B vaccine, Anhui Province