Characteristics of individuals from sub-Saharan Africa receiving care for chronic hepatitis B in the Île-de-France region in 2012–2013. Data from the ANRS-Parcours survey.

In France, migrants from sub-Saharan Africa are particularly affected by chronic hepatitis B. However, the characteristics of people from sub-Saharan Africa with chronic hepatitis B and their specific sociodemographic, epidemiological, and clinical features are not well understood. This article describes the characteristics of people from this region being treated for chronic hepatitis B in the Île-de-France region based on data from the ANRS-Parcours survey, conducted in 2012–2013 among a random sample of 778 patients in 20 healthcare facilities. The results indicate that people of Sub-Saharan African origin being treated for chronic hepatitis B constitute a relatively young population (median age: 39 years) who have been living in France for a long time (median of 10 years). Situations of social and/or administrative vulnerability are common (12.1% of individuals without stable housing, 32.1% unemployed, 25.8% without health insurance or covered by state medical aid), particularly among women and individuals treated in facilities other than specialized hepatology services. Keeping HBV status confidential from family and friends is common, particularly among men (23.9%). In the vast majority of cases, the diagnosis of chronic hepatitis B was not established until after arrival in France, with a median delay of 3 years and under various circumstances. While systematic screening plays a predominant role among women, it accounts for less than one-third of diagnoses among men, among whom diagnosis occurs at a later stage after arrival in France and more often during an active phase of the disease. The characteristics of chronic hepatitis B and its management do not appear to differ depending on whether individuals are followed up in specialized hepatology units or in other healthcare settings. These results provide useful information to help improve screening, prevention of transmission, and management of hepatitis B among people from sub-Saharan Africa.

Author(s): Dray Spira R, Gigonzac V, Vignier N, Pannetier J, Sogni P, Lert F, Bajos N, Lydie N, Desgrees du Lou A

Publishing year: 2015

Pages: 339-47

Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin, 2015, n° 19-20, p. 339-47

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