Known and unknown risk factors for hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections in Ottawa

Abstract

Objectives. Investigate, describe and evaluate HBV and HCV cases with known and unknown risk factors and propose modifications to the Enhanced Surveillance questionnaire based on the results of an exploratory study. Design. (1) Enhanced Surveillance database analysis; (2) Exploratory Study of hepatitis patients with unknown risk factors (URF) at the Ottawa site. Methods. Demographic and epidemiologic data analysis of HBV/HCV cases. Telephone interview with cases having unknown risk factors, using an open-ended questionnaire. Results. Medical/health care acquired, sexual transmission, healthcare and other work related and other recognised and potential new risk factors for contracting HBV/HCV were revealed. Some of the cases with URF could have been identified at the Enhanced Surveillance. Conclusions. The open-ended questions from the Exploratory Study should be incorporated into the Enhanced Surveillance questionnaire. The newly identified potential risk factors deserve further assessment through analytical studies.