Temporal Trends in the Detection Rates of Hepatitis B in the Santa Catarina State, Brazil

Abstract

Hepatitis B is a serious public health problem. The state of Santa Catarina presents areas of high endemicity. The aim of this study was to describe temporal trends in detection rates of hepatitis B in the period from 2002 to 2009 in Santa Catarina and in its regions. A time series study was carried out. Crude rates were calculated and standardized by age using the direct method. Annual variation percentages were estimated by Joinpoint regression. There were two distinct and significant trends in Santa Catarina. From 2002 to 2006 a significant increase of 5.9% per year was observed. From 2006, there was a significant decrease of 6.4% per year. In this same period the southern and far-western regions had significant increases of 15.9% and 4.6% and significant decreases of 7.5% and 4.8%, respectively. Greater Florianópolis and Northeast also showed significant increases until 2006, of 15.4% and 17.4%, respectively. In the following period, non-significant decreases of 5.8% and 9.8% respectively were observed. Foz do Rio Itajaí and Planalto Serrano showed non-significant increases up to half of the studied period of 21.1% and 12.0%, respectively and after, significant decreases of 21.5% and 18.0%, respectively. Vale do Itajaí showed a significant decrease of 9.7%; Planalto Norte showed a non-significant decrease of 0.6% and Midwest a non-significant increase of 2.7% per year, in the period from 2002 to 2009.

The burden of infectious diseases in the Brazilian Southern state of Santa Catarina

“…The proportion of co-infected individuals is up to 14% in developed countries, representing a triggering factor of AIDS and a common cause of death among people living with HIV [16]. The regions of the Meio Oeste and Planalto Norte presented the highest burden, which is consistent with a study on the number of viral hepatitis cases reported from 2002 to 2009 [15]. Globally, acute hepatitis accounted for more than 13,000 DALYs in 2010, of which hepatitis B contributed over 4000, with a rate of 68 DALYs per 100,000 population.…”

“…Viral hepatitis is an endemic disease in Santa Catarina and has high prevalence and detection rates compared to other states and the national rate [15]. As is the case of tuberculosis, hepatitis B is also related to HIV/AIDS infection.…”

Trends in the Burden of Hepatitis B in a Southern Brazilian State

“…A study of trends in the hepatitis B incidence in the state of Santa Catarina showed a 5.9% increase in incidence rates from 2002 to 2006, and a significant drop of 6.4% from 2006 to 2009 ( 4 ). Although neither the above-mentioned study nor the current one has a method approach with an explanatory design; it can be hypothesized that reduction in rates may be a reflection of immunization programs and surveillance activities aimed at prevention.…”

“…In southern Brazil, there are highly endemic areas, including the state of Santa Catarina ( 1 - 3 ). A study conducted in this state showed two distinct and significant trends in disease incidence in 2002 - 2009; an increase of 5.9% per year until 2006, followed by a drop of 6.4% per year until the end of the follow-up period ( 4 ).…”

Distribution of hepatitis B infection in Brazil: the epidemiological situation at the beginning of the 21 st century

“…More recently, Silva et al (121) analyzed notifi cations to the Information System for Notifi able Diseases and estimated that the incidence in 2009 in Brazil and Santa Catarina was 11.5 and 17 infections per 100,000 inhabitants, respectively (121) . Finally, Marcon et al (122) also studied notifi cations in the same state and concluded that there was a decrease in incidence starting in 2006 (122) .…”