Hepatitis B
Conditions
Keywords
Belgium, Prevalence, Risk factor, Ethnicity, Linkage of care
Brief summary
The aim of this study was to evaluate the current prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in a multi-ethnic neighbourhood situated in Middle Limburg, Belgium. Additionally, the investigators will determine linkage of care in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive subjects.
Detailed description
Although the HBV prevalence is generally low in Western countries, such as Belgium, pockets of higher HBV prevalence exist in areas with large immigrant populations. Therefore national prevalence figures can underestimate the burden of HBV infection. The prevalence of chronic HBV in the population-based study in 2003 is believed to be an underestimate due to under-representation of the non-Belgian population. Moreover, by this time there are no data regarding the risk factors for HBV infection in the general population of Belgium. Even in low-prevalence areas such as Belgium, HBV prevention and control is a public health priority, particularly since safe and effective vaccines are available. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current prevalence and risk factors of HBV infection in a multi-ethnic neighbourhood situated in Middle Limburg, Belgium. Additionally, the investigators will determine linkage of care in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive subjects.
Interventions
DIAGNOSTIC_TESTHepatitis B serology
A serum specimen will be taken and assessed for hepatitis B serology (HBsAg and anti-HBc antibodies).
OTHERQuestionnaire
Participants will be asked to fill in a questionnaire regarding demographic characteristics, known viral hepatitis status and risk factors for HBV infection.
Sponsors
Hasselt University
Study design
Observational model
CASE_ONLY
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 70 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Age between 18 and 70 * Males and females
Exclusion criteria
/
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Seroprevalence of current HBV infection in the Middle Limburg population | 1 day | Serum HBsAg |
| Seroprevalence of past or current HBV infection in the Middle Limburg population | 1 day | Serum anti-HBc antibodies |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Assess risk factors for current HBV infection in the Middle Limburg population | 1 day | Combine results from (1) serum HBsAg with (2) questionnaire regarding demographic characteristics, known viral hepatitis status and risk factors for HBV infection. |
| Assess risk factors for past or current HBV infection in the Middle Limburg population | 1 day | Combine results from (1) serum anti-HBc antibodies with (2) questionnaire regarding demographic characteristics, known viral hepatitis status and risk factors for HBV infection. |
Countries
Belgium
Outcome results
None listed