Methodology of a nationwide cross-sectional survey of prevalence and epidemiological patterns of hepatitis A, B and C infection in Brazil

• Main Author: Ximenes,Ricardo Arraes de Alencar
• Publication Date: 2010
• Other Authors: Pereira,Leila Maria Beltrão, Martelli,Celina Maria Turchi, Merchán-Hamann,Edgar, Stein,Airton Tetelbom, Figueiredo,Gerusa Maria, Braga,Maria Cynthia, Montarroyos,Ulisses Ramos, Brasil,Leila Melo, Turchi,Marília Dalva, Fonseca,José Carlos Ferraz da, Lima,Maria Luiza Carvalho de, Alencar,Luis Cláudio Arraes de, Costa,Marcelo, Coral,Gabriela, Moreira,Regina Celia, Cardoso,Maria Regina Alves
• Format: Article
• Language: eng
• Source: Cadernos de Saúde Pública
• Download full: http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0102-311X2010000900003
• topic: Morbidity Surveys; Prevalence; Hepatitis Viruses

A population-based survey to provide information on the prevalence of hepatitis viral infection and the pattern of risk factors was carried out in the urban population of all Brazilian state capitals and the Federal District, between 2005 and 2009. This paper describes the design and methodology of the study which involved a population aged 5 to 19 for hepatitis A and 10 to 69 for hepatitis B and C. Interviews and blood samples were obtained through household visits. The sample was selected using stratified multi-stage cluster sampling and was drawn with equal probability from each domain of study (region and age-group). Nationwide, 19,280 households and ~31,000 residents were selected. The study is large enough to detect prevalence of viral infection around 0.1% and risk factor assessments within each region. The methodology seems to be a viable way of differentiating between distinct epidemiological patterns of hepatitis A, B and C. These data will be of value for the evaluation of vaccination policies and for the design of control program strategies.