Epidemiological characteristics and spatiotemporal distribution of hepatitis B in Chongqing, 2016–2020

  Objective   To describe the epidemiological characteristics and spatiotemporal distributions of hepatitis B in Chongqing from 2009 to 2016, and provide information and evidence for guiding public health response and intervention.

  Methods   We retrieved the hepatitis B surveillance data during January 2016 to December 2020 from “National Disease Reporting Information System”. Descriptive analysis was conducted to evaluate the epidemiological characteristics of hepatitis B in Chongqing. The spatial autocorrelation analysis was carried out by software GeoDa 1.14, and the spatiotemporal scan statistics were performed by software SaTScan 9.6.

  Results   A total of 73 847 cases of hepatitis B were reported in Chongqing during 2016–2020. The average annual incidence rate was 48.26/100 000, which decreased from 67.54/100 000 in 2016 to 27.56/100 000 in 2020. The male-to-female ratio of the cases was 1.96∶1. In the reported cases, 44.53% were aged 41–60 years and 51.07% were farmers. High-incidence clustering areas were identified in southeastern and northeastern Chongqing. Three statically significant hepatitis B clustering areas were identified by the spatiotemporal scan, and most of these clustering areas were in southeastern Chongqing during 2016–2017.

  Conclusion  The incidence of hepatitis B decreased gradually in Chongqing from 2012 to 2020. Men aged 41–60 years in rural area were most affected by hepatitis B. The distribution of hepatitis B in Chongqing showed spatiotemporal clustering. It is necessary to strengthen the prevention and control of hepatitis B in southeastern and northeastern Chongqing to reduce the disease burden. It suggested to strengthen the hepatitis B vaccination and health education in population at high risk in these areas.