Evaluation of the acute hepatitis B surveillance system in the Republic of Korea following the transition to mandatory surveillance
10.24171/j.phrp.2024.0083
- Author:
Jaehwa CHUNG
1
;
Jeonghee YU
;
Myeongeun CHEON
;
Sangwoo TAK
Author Information
1. Division of Risk Assessment, Bureau of Public Health Emergency Preparedness, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:
Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives
2024;15(4):353-363
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objectives:The prevalence of hepatitis B in the Republic of Korea has declined, yet the disease burden persists. After various changes in targets and methods, the national hepatitis B surveillance system now exclusively monitors acute cases. We aimed to assess the alignment of this system with its intended purpose and to recommend improvements supporting the national strategic plan for viral hepatitis management.
Methods:This study assessed acute hepatitis B cases reported to the Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s mandatory surveillance system over a 10-year period (2013–2022). It evaluated 5 factors from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Updated Guidelines for Evaluating Public Health Surveillance Systems: simplicity, positive predictive value, data quality, timeliness, and usefulness.
Results:The nonspecific nature of acute hepatitis B symptoms, along with the complexityof diagnostic criteria, indicated a high potential for misreporting. The surveillance system demonstrated a high positive predictive value (94.4%), with data quality and timeliness also rated high. However, data following the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemicindicate the need for improvement. Moreover, given the relative importance of specificcharacteristics of chronic infectious diseases, only limited interventions are implementable through the current surveillance system.
Conclusion:The evaluation of the Republic of Korea’s acute hepatitis B surveillance system revealed high positive predictive value, data quality, and timeliness. However, improvements can be made in the misreporting of chronic cases and the system’s usefulness. More accuratereflection of the characteristics of acute hepatitis B cases is essential for better management ofviral hepatitis.
