ObjectiveTo understand the epidemiological characteristics and changing trend of acute hepatitis B in Gansu province from 2005 to 2016, and provide evidence for the development of prevention and control measures in the future.

MethodsThe incidence data of acute hepatitis B cases from 2005 to 2016 in Gansu province were obtained from the national disease prevention and control information system of China.

ResultsFrom 2005 to 2016, the reported incidence rate of acute hepatitis B in Gansu Province showed a downward trend, which dropped from 17.7/100 000 in 2005 to 5.2/100 000 in 2016, a decline of 70.6%. In recent years, the reported incidence rates of acute hepatitis B in Gannan and Linxia prefectures (15.0/100 000 and 14.0/100 000 respectively) were significantly higher than those in other areas. Since 2005, the reported incidence rates of acute hepatitis B in all age groups had decreased. The incidence rate decreased by 88.8% in age group 5–14 years, by 80.4% in age group 15–29 years and by 66.0% in age group 30–59 years. The incidence peak occurred in older age groups. A total of 29 709 cases of acute hepatitis B were reported in Gansu from 2005 to 2016, in which 73.4% (21 825) were adults aged 15–49 years, only 7.3% (2 156) were children under 15 years old. The cases in farmers and students accounted for 53.1% and 15.8% respectively. The proportion of the cases in farmer increased year by year, reaching 76.8% in 2016. The reported incidence rate of acute hepatitis B in men was higher than that in women during this period.

ConclusionThe reported incidence rate of acute hepatitis B in Gansu has decreased significantly, and the decline was more obvious in age group 5–29 years. Adults in rural areas are the key population in immunization program. It is suggested to conduct the evaluation of acute hepatitis B reporting accuracy in Gannan and Linxia prefectures.