LAUSR

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics, dynamic trend of development and related influencing factors of hepatitis C in Shandong, China, 2007-2016, also to provide epidemiological evidence for prevention and control of HCV. Methods: National surveillance data of hepatitis C from 2007 to 2016 in Shandong was used, with distribution and clustering map of hepatitis C drawn at the county level. Panel Poisson regression was used to explore the influencing factors of hepatitis C at the city level. Results: The incidence of hepatitis C in Shandong increased from 1.49/100 000 in 2007 to 4.72/100 000 in 2016, with the high incidence mainly clustered in the urban regions in Jinan, Zibo, Weihai et al. and surrounding vicinities. Majority of the cases were young adults, with 53.16% (14 711/27 671) of them being farmers. Results from the Multiple panel Poisson regression analysis indicated that factors as: population density (aIRR=1.07, 95%CI: 1.05-1.10), number of hospital per hundred thousand people shared (aIRR=1.16, 95%CI: 1.08-1.24), expenditure of medical fee in rural (aIRR=1.21, 95%CI: 1.08-1.37) and the proportion of the tertiary industry (aIRR=1.08, 95%CI: 1.07-1.09) were all correlated to the incidence of hepatitis C. Conclusions: The incidence of hepatitis C had been increasing rapidly in recent years, in Shandong. Prevention and control of HCV should focus on high risk population. In addition, rural, especially in areas with lower economics provision should be under more attentions, so as to find more concealed cases for early treatment.