# Spatial-temporal analysis of hepatitis B in Fujian Province, China in 2012–2021

## TL;DR

This study analyzed hepatitis B trends in Fujian Province from 2012 to 2021, finding a decline in incidence and identifying high-risk areas for targeted healthcare planning.

## Contribution

The study provides a spatial-temporal analysis of hepatitis B incidence trends and clusters in Fujian Province over a 10-year period.

## Key findings

- The reported incidence of hepatitis B in Fujian decreased from 17.44/10,000 in 2012 to 11.88/10,000 in 2021.
- Eastern Fujian remains a high-risk area with significant spatial clustering of hepatitis B cases.
- Spatio-temporal scanning identified four levels of aggregation in hepatitis B reporting rates.

## Abstract

•Our study described the characteristics distribution of hepatitis B incidence.•Our study includes data on the incidence of hepatitis B over the past 10 years.•The reported incidence of hepatitis B in Fujian Province is declining.•Our study provides a basis for allocating healthcare resources.

Our study described the characteristics distribution of hepatitis B incidence.

Our study includes data on the incidence of hepatitis B over the past 10 years.

The reported incidence of hepatitis B in Fujian Province is declining.

Our study provides a basis for allocating healthcare resources.

Fujian Province has one of the highest reported incidences of hepatitis B virus infection in China. This study aimed to provide a theoretical framework for preventing and controlling hepatitis B in Fujian Province, and to assess the trends and the spatial-temporal distribution patterns of hepatitis B in this region.

Data on hepatitis B cases were extracted from the National Notifiable Infectious Disease Surveillance System. Spatial autocorrelation analysis, trend surface analysis, and spatial-temporal scanning statistics were used to identify the spatial and aggregation patterns at the county level. The Joinpoint was used to assess the reported incidence trends.

The average reported incidence of hepatitis B in Fujian from 2012 to 2021 was 14.46/10,000 population, with 583,262 notified cases. The age-adjusted reported incidence of hepatitis B decreased from 17.44/10,000 population in 2012 to 11.88/10,000 population in 2021, with an average reduction in the annual percentage change of 4.5%. There were obvious spatial-temporal aggregation characteristics in hepatitis B cases, and a high-incidence area was located in eastern Fujian. Spatio-temporal scanning statistics revealed four levels of aggregation of hepatitis B reporting rates. The first level of aggregation area included Minhou, Gulou, Jin'an, Taijiang, and nine other districts and counties.

The incidence of hepatitis B is declining in Fujian Province. Spatial clusters of hepatitis B cases in Fujian Province were identified, and high-risk areas in eastern Fujian still exist. Closely monitoring the general patterns in the occurrence of hepatitis B and implementing focused control and preventative strategies are important.

Image, graphical abstract