ObjectiveTo understand the repeated reporting of hepatitis B in Suzhou from 2014 to 2018, provide data to support future research.
MethodsThe data of hepatitis B cases in Suzhou from 2014 to 2018 were collected through National Notifiable Disease Reporting System, and repeated cases were identified to calculate the repetition rate.
ResultsA total of 12 823 cases of hepatitis B were reported, in which 731 cases were duplicately reported, with a repetition rate of 5.70%. The repetition rate was 4.32% during 2014–2018, higher than annual repetition rate (1.44%). The area specific duplicated reporting constituent ratios ranged from 0.55% to 32.42%, and the repetition rates ranged from 1.46% to 11.20%. The rate of duplicated reporting in different age groups ranged from 3.59% to 6.40% (χ2=21.518, P=0.001), and was higher in high age groups than in low age group. Duplicated reporting occurred in medical institutions at provincial, prefectural, county and township levels, with the repetition rates ranging from 3.23% to 7.69% (χ2=62.272, P<0.001).
ConclusionDuplicated reporting of hepatitis B existed in Suzhou, which might be explained by the limitation of National Notifiable Disease Reporting System and the loss, change and error in case’s basic information. Kunshan, Gusu and non-local institutions had greater impacts on duplicated reporting of hepatitis B in Suzhou, it is necessary to strengthen the check of the duplicated reporting in these areas. The duplicated reporting rate was higher in medical institutions at provincial and county levels than medical institutions at prefectural and township levels.