The impact of the hepatitis B mass immunisation campaign on the incidence and risk factors of acute hepatitis B in Italy.

Background/aims: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the campaign for hepatitis B mass immunisation of children and teenagers, introduced in 1991, on the incidence of and risk factors for hepatitis B in Italy.

Methods: Hepatitis B cases reported to the surveillance system for type-specific acute viral hepatitis (SEIEVA) during the period 1987-1997 were used to estimate incidence. To assess the association between potential risk factors and hepatitis B cases, hepatitis A cases generated by the same surveillance system were used as controls.

Prevention of hepatitis C in Italy: lessons from surveillance of type-specific acute viral hepatitis. SEIEVA collaborating Group.

Using data from the surveillance system for type-specific acute viral hepatitis, the temporal incidence trend of non-A, non-B acute hepatitis and risk factors for acute hepatitis C have been evaluated in Italy. The association between hepatitis C and the potential risk factors (odds ratios, OR) was estimated using hepatitis A patients as controls. The independent roles of the different risk factors were estimated by multiple logistic regression analysis.

Hepatitis B vaccination coverage among healthcare workers in Italy.

In 1996, the vaccination coverage against hepatitis B virus among 3,157 healthcare workers in Italy was inversely related to the level of hepatitis B virus endemicity in the area of residence. Youngest age and lowest years of employment were independent predictors of the likelihood of vaccine acceptance.

Incidence of and risk factors for hepatitis A in Italy: public health indications from a 10-year surveillance. SEIEVA Collaborating Group.

Background/aims: This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of and risk factors for acute viral hepatitis A (HAV) in Italy.

Methods: Data were from a surveillance system for type-specific acute viral hepatitis (SEIEVA). To estimate the association of hepatitis A cases with the potential risk factors (Odds Ratios) and the proportion of all hepatitis A cases attributable to a given risk factor (population attributable risk), hepatitis B cases were used as controls.