Hepatitis B Virus Prevalence and Risk Factors in Belgium

Completed

• Conditions: Hepatitis B
• Interventions: Diagnostic Test: Hepatitis B serology; Other: Questionnaire

• Registration Number: NCT03425513
• Lead Sponsor: Hasselt University

Brief Summary

The aim of this study was to evaluate the current prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in a multi-ethnic neighbourhood situated in Middle Limburg, Belgium. Additionally, the investigators will determine linkage of care in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive subjects.

Detailed Description

Although the HBV prevalence is generally low in Western countries, such as Belgium, pockets of higher HBV prevalence exist in areas with large immigrant populations. Therefore national prevalence figures can underestimate the burden of HBV infection. The prevalence of chronic HBV in the population-based study in 2003 is believed to be an underestimate due to under-representation of the non-Belgian population. Moreover, by this time there are no data regarding the risk factors for HBV infection in the general population of Belgium.

Even in low-prevalence areas such as Belgium, HBV prevention and control is a public health priority, particularly since safe and effective vaccines are available. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current prevalence and risk factors of HBV infection in a multi-ethnic neighbourhood situated in Middle Limburg, Belgium. Additionally, the investigators will determine linkage of care in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive subjects.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2017-05-12
• Primary Completion: 2017-11-27
• Study Completion: 2017-11-27
• Study First Submitted: 2018-02-01
• Study First Submitted QC: 2018-02-01
• Study First Posted: 2018-02-07
• Status Verified: 2020-01
• Last Update Submitted: 2020-01-23
• Last Update Posted: 2020-01-27

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 1131

Inclusion Criteria

• Age between 18 and 70
• Males and females

Exclusion Criteria

/

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Hepatitis B group	Hepatitis B serology	-
Hepatitis B group	Questionnaire	-

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Seroprevalence of current HBV infection in the Middle Limburg population	1 day	Serum HBsAg
Seroprevalence of past or current HBV infection in the Middle Limburg population	1 day	Serum anti-HBc antibodies

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Assess risk factors for current HBV infection in the Middle Limburg population	1 day	Combine results from (1) serum HBsAg with (2) questionnaire regarding demographic characteristics, known viral hepatitis status and risk factors for HBV infection.
Assess risk factors for past or current HBV infection in the Middle Limburg population	1 day	Combine results from (1) serum anti-HBc antibodies with (2) questionnaire regarding demographic characteristics, known viral hepatitis status and risk factors for HBV infection.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg; 🇧🇪 Genk, Limburg, Belgium