Epidemiology of hepatitis C in Henan province during 1997 - 2009

Objective To analyze the epidemiological features of hepatitis C in Henan province during 1997 - 2009,explore the related factors and provide evidence for hepatitis C prevention snd control. Methods The descriptive epidemiology analysis was conducted on the data of hepatitis C incidence obtained from national notifiable disease reporting system(NNDRS). Results The incidence of hepatitis C in Henan province was higher than the average national level and increased more rapidly by years (from 0.48/lakh in 1997 to 24.22/lakh in 2009). From 1997 - 2003, the incidence of hepatitis C increased slowly with the average level of 1.02/lakh, from 2004 - 2009, it increased rapidly with the average level of 14.61/lakh. The disease occurred all the year round without significant seasonal difference. The case number in age group of 35-44 years old was highest, accounting for 26.54% of the total. The incidence of hepatitis C increased with age, the difference on incidence between males and females had no significance. The incidence in age group of 75-79 years old was highest (16.50/lakh). Workers, farmers and retirees were the mostly affected populations, the cases (64 932) among them accounted for 72.88% of the total. Conclusion The training on diagnosis of hepatitis C should be strengthened to improve the accuracy of case reporting, the survey on related factors resulting in fast increase of case number should be conducted and the targeted prevention and control measures should be taken.