Hepatitis B Virus Prevalence and Risk Factors in Belgium

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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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
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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.

Official Title
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Hepatitis B Virus Prevalence and Risk Factors in Middle Limburg Belgium: the Importance of Migration.

Conditions
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Hepatitis B

Intervention / Treatment
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* Diagnostic Test: Hepatitis B serology
* Other: Questionnaire


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Age between 18 and 70 Males and females Exclusion Criteria: /

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 70 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Hepatitis B group<br> | Diagnostic Test: Hepatitis B serology<br>* A serum specimen will be taken and assessed for hepatitis B serology (HBsAg and anti-HBc antibodies).<br>Other: Questionnaire<br>* Participants will be asked to fill in a questionnaire regarding demographic characteristics, known viral hepatitis status and risk factors for HBV infection.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Seroprevalence of current HBV infection in the Middle Limburg population | Serum HBsAg | 1 day | 
| Seroprevalence of past or current HBV infection in the Middle Limburg population | Serum anti-HBc antibodies | 1 day | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

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

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Belgium, Prevalence, Risk factor, Ethnicity, Linkage of care