South China Journal of Preventive Medicine ›› 2025, Vol. 51 ›› Issue (2): 164-168.doi: 10.12183/j.scjpm.2025.0164

• Original Article • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Analysis of the epidemic characteristics and spatiotemporal clustering of hepatitis C in Zibo City, 2018-2023

ZHANG Sina, GONG Cuihua, BIAN Wenjian, HAN Meichen   

  1. Zibo Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zibo, Shandong 255026, China
  • Received:2024-04-23 Published:2025-03-18

Abstract: Objective To analyze the epidemic characteristics of hepatitis C in Zibo City from 2018 to 2023 and explore the distribution of hepatitis C clusters at the township (street) level in order to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of hepatitis C. Methods Data on reported cases of hepatitis C in Zibo City from 2018 to 2023 were collected. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the temporal, spatial, and demographic characteristics. Spatial autocorrelation analysis and spatiotemporal scanning analysis were also conducted. Results A total of 1 130 cases of hepatitis C were reported in Zibo City from 2018 to 2023, with an average annual reported incidence rate of 4.28 per 100 000. The male-to-female ratio was 1.32∶1, and farmers, household workers, unemployed individuals, and retirees accounted for a total of 78.94% of cases. Spatial autocorrelation analysis revealed significant clustering with Moran's I values from 2018 to 2020 and 2023 being 0.203, 0.205, 0.210, and 0.115 (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Hot spots were identified in townships (streets) within Zichuan District, Huantai County, Yiyuan County, Linzi District, Boshan District, and Zhoucun District. The results of spatiotemporal aggregation analysis showed that from 2018 to 2023, there were 1 to 2 spatiotemporal aggregation regions with different aggregation times. In 2022 and 2023, the main aggregation regions were similar, and the regions with high incidence of hepatitis C were mainly concentrated in Zichuan District, Huantai County, and Yiyuan County. Conclusions The incidence of hepatitis C in Zibo City shows clear clustering within specific populations and at particular times and locations. It is important to pay special attention to males, middle-aged and elderly individuals, rural residents, as well as the hepatitis C epidemic situation in Zichuan District, Huantai County, Yiyuan County, and surrounding regions.

Key words: Hepatitis C, Epidemic characteristics, Spatial autocorrelation, Spatiotemporal cluster

CLC Number: 

  • R183.9