Search

Background Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are disproportionately affected by hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. A proposed mismatch between standard vaccines and the HBV/C4 sub‐genotype prevalent in Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory (NT) may reduce vaccine effectiveness. Aims To determine HBV prevalence in the NT by Indigenous status and to explore patterns of immunity following implementation of universal vaccination, using a large longitudinal diagnostic dataset. Methods A retrospective analysis of all available HBV serology results in the NT from 1991 to 2011 was conducted, with HBV prevalence and vaccination status analysed according to adigenous status, age and sex using individuals' patterns of HBsAg, anti‐HBs and anti‐HBc serology over repeated tests. Results 100 790 individuals were tested (33.4% Indigenous) between 1991 and 2011 (26.1% of the 2011 NT population), with a total of 211 802 tests performed. In 2011, the proportion of HBV positive individuals in the NT was 3.17% (5.22% in Indigenous populations) compared to previous 2011 estimates of 1.70% (3.70% in Indigenous populations). The vaccine failure rate was lower than expected with only one presumed vaccinated person subsequently developing HBsAg positivity (0.02%). Evidence of suboptimal vaccine efficacy by breakthrough anti‐HBc positivity in vaccinated individuals was demonstrated in 3.1% of the vaccinated cohort, of which 86.4% identified as Indigenous (HR 1.17). No difference in HBeAg positivity or seroconversion was observed between Indigenous and non‐Indigenous individuals living with CHB. Conclusions The burden of CHB in Indigenous people in the NT has previously been underestimated. A higher HBV prevalence in the NT than described in previous cross‐sectional studies was found, including a higher prevalence in Indigenous people. Evidence of suboptimal vaccine efficacy was demonstrated predominantly in Indigenous individuals.

Background Without intervention, HIV, hepatitis B virus and syphilis can be transmitted from mother-to-child during pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding and these can cause adverse pregnancy and longer-term outcomes. The 22 Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs) have among the highest global prevalence of syphilis and hepatitis B. Mother-to-child transmission remains a concern, particularly hepatitis B. Global and regional elimination targets have been set to eliminate mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) however progress of PICTs towards meeting targets is unknown. Methods Data from 2000-2019 relating to EMTCT epidemiological, process and impact targets were extracted from peer reviewed literature, online data repositories and grey literature. Results 27 peer reviewed reports, data from online data repositories for 19 countries and twelve national demographic and/or health reports were collated. Existing online databases report data for only small number of EMTCT indicators and there are few peer-reviewed studies that report EMTCT coverage estimates for PICTs. Availability of data varied between countries and available data suggests that few countries are meeting EMTCT indicator targets. Conclusions Based on the current trach trajectory, PICTs will not reach triple elimination by 2030. Both interventions to improve EMTCT activity coverage and strengthened surveillance, monitoring and evaluation systems are required. Key messages Mother-to-child transmission of HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis is a major concern in the Pacific and increased efforts are required, including strengthened monitoring and evaluation systems.

Background and aims Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a significant global health concern, and the most prevalent blood-borne virus in Australia. World Health Organization (WHO) member states have committed to global elimination, with targets to diagnose 90% of people living with CHB, treat 80% of those eligible, and reduce attributable deaths by 65% by the year 2030. Australia has committed to national targets of 80% diagnosed, 20% on treatment, and a 30% reduction in deaths by 2022. Approach and results We constructed and implemented a mathematical model to estimate the burden of CHB incorporating vaccination, phases of infection, cirrhosis progression, and mortality attributed to decompensated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma and examined the population-level impact of antiviral therapy. Diversity was integrated according to migration patterns, CHB prevalence by country of birth, Indigenous status, and age. Modelled outcomes were subjected to multivariate uncertainty analysis. Of the estimated 221,420 people living with CHB in Australia in 2017, 68% were diagnosed and 8.7% were receiving treatment (less than one-third of those estimated to be eligible). Based on current trends, the proportion of people living with CHB who have been diagnosed will reach 71% by 2022 and 81% by 2030, and treatment uptake will rise to 11.2% by 2022 and 12.9% by 2030, resulting in a 5.7% reduction in CHB-attributable deaths from 2015 to 2030. CHB treatment has prevented approximately 2,300 deaths in Australia between 2000 and 2017. Conclusions Australia is not on track to meet local and global targets regarding CHB. Comprehensive and regularly updated modelling approaches accounting for diversity within the population are a useful tool to measure progress and impact of interventions, and quantify further improvements required to meet elimination goals.

METHOD: Data from qualitative semi-structured interviews with 19 participants from primary care settings were thematically analysed. RESULTS: Critical elements in providing clinical care in primary care settings were identified at an organisational and provider level. A supportive organisational culture included leadership, a multidisciplinary team approach, community engagement and cultural competency, while provider-related issues included authorisation to prescribe, access to linguistic and cultural mediators and effective relationships with relevant specialist services. DISCUSSION: The research identified practice leadership, organisational culture and a patient focus supported hepatitis B clinical management transitioning from specialist to primary care services.

Background Antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is effective and can substantially reduce the risk of progressive liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma but is often administered for an indefinite duration. Adherence has been shown in clinical trials to maximize the benefit of therapy and prevent the development of resistance, however the optimal threshold for predicting clinical outcomes has not been identified. The aim of this study was to analyse adherence using the medication possession ration (MPR) and its relation to virological outcomes in a large multi-centre hospital outpatient population, and guide development of an evidence-based threshold for optimal adherence. Methods Pharmacy and pathology records of patients dispensed CHB antiviral therapy from 4 major hospitals in Melbourne between 2010 and 2013 were extracted and analysed to determine their MPR and identify instances of unfavourable viral outcomes. Viral outcomes were classified categorically, with unfavourable outcomes including HBV DNA remaining detectable after 2 years treatment or experiencing viral breakthrough. The association between MPR and unfavourable outcomes was assessed according to various thresholds using ROC analysis and time-to-event regression. Results Six hundred forty-two individuals were included in the analysis. Median age was 46.6 years, 68% were male, 77% were born in Asia, and the median time on treatment was 27.5 months. The majority had favourable viral outcomes (91.06%), with most having undetectable HBV DNA at the end of the study period. The most common unfavourable outcome was a rise of Conclusion Lower adherence as measured using the MPR was strongly associated with unfavourable therapeutic outcomes, including virological failure. Optimising adherence is therefore important for preventing viral rebound and potential complications such as antiviral resistance. The evidence of dose-response highlights the need for nuanced interventions.

Objective: To measure progress towards Australia's National Hepatitis B Strategy 2014–17 targets, and assess geographic variation in disease burden and access to care for those living with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Methods: Data were generated from routinely collected sources, including risk-group prevalence and population data, infectious diseases notifications, Medicare records, and immunisation registry data, and assessed nationally and according to geographic area for 2013–15. Results: CHB prevalence in 2015 was 239,167 (1.0%), with 62% of those affected having been diagnosed (target 80%). Treatment uptake was 6.1% (target 15%), and only 15.3% of people with CHB received guideline-based care. CHB prevalence ranged within Australia's 31 Primary Health Networks (PHNs) from 1.77% (NT) to 0.56% (Grampians & Barwon South West VIC). No PHN reached the 15% treatment target, with uptake highest in South Western Sydney (13.7%). Immunisation coverage reached the 95% target in three PHNs. Conclusions: The CHB burden in Australia is significant and highly geographically focused, with notable disparities in access to care across Australia. Implications for public health: Efforts to improve progress toward National Strategy targets should focus on priority areas where the prevalence of CHB is substantial but access to treatment and care remains low.

In 2016, hepatitis C direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) became available in Australia. A group of general practitioners (GPs) were surveyed twice to assess hepatitis C knowledge and management; 191/1000 (19.1%) responded at baseline, 164/938 (17.5%) at follow up. Participants’ mean Knowledge score increased: baseline 5.75 (95% CI 5.61–5.91), follow up 6.09 (95% CI 5.95–6.22; P

Antiviral therapy for hepatitis B is effective and reduces the risk of progression to cirrhosis and liver cancer but is often required for an indefinite duration. Treatment adherence is important to prevent the development of resistance and optimize outcomes. Pharmacy adherence measures can be used to assess treatment adherence, with the medication possession ratio being less susceptible to bias than physician- or self-reported adherence. The aim of this study was to measure adherence in public hospital outpatients over a 3-year period and to examine factors associated with nonadherence. A retrospective study of pharmacy records of patients dispensed antiviral therapy for hepatitis B from four major hospitals in Melbourne between 2010 and 2013. Hospital record numbers were linked with and de-identified demographic information including age, sex, Indigenous status, country of birth, interpreter requirement, spoken language and postcode of residence. The medication possession ratio was the outcome measure with poor adherence defined

Objective: To estimate the level of access to diagnosis, management and treatment for people living with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in Australia, and to identify the gaps in clinical care for people living with CHB. Methods: Analysis of publicly available population level data including infectious disease notifications, Medicare and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme utilisation data, census-based estimates of CHB prevalence and burden, and mathematical modelling. Results: In 2012, of the estimated 218,567 Australians living with CHB, 57% had been diagnosed, 17,367 people (8%) received recommended HBV DNA viral load testing (without treatment) and 10,987 (5%) received antiviral therapy. Conclusions: This analysis reveals substantial gaps in the cascade of care for CHB in Australia, most notably in diagnosis (with 43% undiagnosed) and in recommended yearly monitoring (87% not in care). The number receiving therapy represents only one-third of those estimated to require treatment to prevent progressive liver disease and liver cancer. Implications: These findings demonstrate that the majority of those affected are not receiving guideline-based care; highlight the need for improvements in opportunistic screening, engagement in care, and access to therapy; and provide a method to assess the impact of public health and clinical interventions in response to CHB over time.

Objective: The number of Australians living with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is thought to be increasing, as are adverse outcomes including cirrhosis and liver cancer, however, robust, up-to-date estimates of this burden are limited. Contemporary estimates of the prevalence of CHB in Australia are essential to guide appropriate public health and clinical responses. Methods: This study used census-based methodology attributing risk of CHB by country of birth and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status, augmented with priority risk-group based estimates. Deterministic mathematical modelling was used for comparison and for validation of census-derived estimates. Results: An estimated 218,000 Australians (plausible range 192,000–284,000) are living with CHB, a significant increase over previous estimates. The prevalence derived using mathematical modelling was similar, at 204,000. Notable differences were observed by geographic area in both prevalence and the populations predominantly affected. It is estimated that only 56% of people living with CHB in Australia have been diagnosed and notified. Conclusions: The prevalence of CHB in Australia is increasing, with 1% of the population now estimated to be affected. The majority of the burden is experienced by people born overseas in endemic areas, with more than 95% of new cases of CHB entering the population through migration. Implications: It is imperative that more attention and greater resources are devoted to addressing CHB in Australia; to increase the proportion of Australians affected who have been diagnosed and who are on treatment, in accordance with the First National Hepatitis B Strategy.

Antiviral therapy for hepatitis B is effective and reduces the risk of progression to cirrhosis and liver cancer but is often required for an indefinite duration. Treatment adherence is important to prevent the development of resistance and optimize outcomes. Pharmacy adherence measures can be used to assess treatment adherence, with the medication possession ratio being less susceptible to bias than physician- or self-reported adherence. The aim of this study was to measure adherence in public hospital outpatients over a 3-year period and to examine factors associated with nonadherence. A retrospective study of pharmacy records of patients dispensed antiviral therapy for hepatitis B from four major hospitals in Melbourne between 2010 and 2013. Hospital record numbers were linked with and de-identified demographic information including age, sex, Indigenous status, country of birth, interpreter requirement, spoken language and postcode of residence. The medication possession ratio was the outcome measure with poor adherence defined