Hepatitis A Hospitalization Trends in Quebec (1990-2003)
Author Information
Author(s): Magalie Canuel, Gaston De Serres, Bernard Duval, Rodica Gilca, Philippe De Wals, Vladimir Gilca
Primary Institution: Laval University
Hypothesis
What are the hospitalization rates and risk factors for hepatitis A in Quebec from 1990 to 2003?
Conclusion
Hepatitis A hospitalization rates have been low since 1998, but the reasons for this decline are unclear.
Supporting Evidence
- The hospitalization rate decreased from 1.06 per 100,000 person-years between 1990 and 1997 to 0.36 between 1998 and 2003.
- 54% of hepatitis A hospitalizations were in individuals aged 20-39 years.
- The overall case fatality ratio among hospitalized patients was 1.4%, increasing with age.
Takeaway
This study looked at how many people got sick from hepatitis A in Quebec over 13 years and found that fewer people were getting hospitalized for it.
Methodology
The study reviewed hospitalization records and medical charts of patients diagnosed with hepatitis A from a provincial database.
Potential Biases
Potential coding errors in administrative databases could affect the accuracy of hospitalization rates.
Limitations
The study may underestimate hospitalization rates as it only included records where hepatitis A was diagnosed.
Participant Demographics
The majority of hospitalizations were in individuals aged 20-39 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI 0.66%-2.50%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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