The end of the Australia antigen? An ecological study of the impact of universal newborn hepatitis B vaccination two decades on

Background

A universal newborn hepatitis B (HBV) vaccination program was introduced in the Northern Territory of Australia in 1990, followed by a school-based catch-up program. We evaluated the prevalence of hepatitis B infection in birthing women up to 20 years after vaccination and compared this to women born before the programs commenced.

Methods

A cohort of birthing mothers was defined from Northern Territory public hospital birth records between 2005 and 2010 and linked to laboratory confirmed notifications of chronic HBV, based principally on a record of hepatitis B surface antigen detection. Prevalence of HBV was compared between women born before or after implementation of the newborn and catch-up vaccination programs.

Findings

Among 10797 birthing mothers, 138 (1.3%) linked to a chronic HBV record. HBV prevalence was substantially higher in Aboriginal women compared to non-Indigenous women (2.4% versus 0.04%; p < 0.001). Among 5678 Aboriginal women, those eligible for catch-up and newborn HBV vaccination programs had a significantly lower HBV prevalence than older women born prior to the programs: HBV prevalence respectively 2.2% versus 3.5%, (OR 0.61, 95%CI 0.43–0.88) and 0.8% versus 3.5% (OR 0.21, 95%CI 0.11–0.43). This represents a risk reduction of respectively 40% and 80% compared to unvaccinated women.

Interpretation

The progressively greater reduction in the prevalence of chronic HBV in adult Aboriginal women co-inciding with eligibility for catch-up and newborn vaccination programs is consistent with a significant impact from both programs. The use of data derived from antenatal screening to track ongoing vaccine impact is applicable to a range of settings globally.     

Should older adult pneumococcal vaccination recommendations change due to decreased vaccination in children during the pandemic? A cost-effectiveness analysis

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic is causing declines in childhood immunization rates. We examined potential COVID-19-related changes in pediatric 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) use, subsequent impact on childhood and adult pneumococcal disease rates, and how those changes might affect the favorability of PCV13 use in non-immunocompromised adults aged ≥65 years.MethodsA Markov model estimated pediatric disease resulting from decreased PCV13 use in children aged <5 years; absolute decreases from 10 to 50% for 1–2 years duration were examined, assuming no catch-up vaccination and that decreased vaccination led to proportionate increases in PCV13 serotype pneumococcal disease in children and seniors. Integrating pediatric model output into a second Markov model examining 65-year-olds, we estimated the cost effectiveness of older adult pneumococcal vaccination strategies while accounting for potential epidemiologic changes from decreased pediatric vaccination.ResultsOne year of 10–50% absolute decreases in PCV13 use in <5-year-olds increased pneumococcal disease by an estimated 4–19% in seniors; 2 years of decreased use increased senior rates by 8–38%. In seniors, a >53% increase in pneumococcal disease was required to favor PCV13 use in non-immunocompromised seniors at a $200,000 per quality-adjusted life-year gained threshold, which corresponded to absolute decreases in pediatric PCV13 vaccination of >50% over a 2-year period. In sensitivity analyses, senior PCV13 vaccination was unfavorable if absolute decreases in pediatric PCV13 receipt were within plausible ranges, despite model assumptions favoring PCV13 use in seniors.ConclusionCOVID-19-related decreases in pediatric PCV13 use would need to be both substantial and prolonged to make heightened PCV13 use in non-immunocompromised seniors economically favorable.     

The immunogenicity and safety of 10 μg recombination yeast hepatitis B vaccine applied in expanded population

Objective To assess the feasibility of the 10 μg recombination yeast hepatitis B vaccine in the expanded applicable population group aged 5-18. Methods People with both HBsAg and anti-HBs negative were selected to take two-stage clinical experiment and the safety and immunogenicity were observed. Safety observation was conducted in 925 subjects, while 568 for immunogenicity. The observation group (aged 5-18) included 493 subjects, and (age>18) 75 enrolled in control group. For the observation group,there were three sub-groups including a child group (141, aged 5-6), early youth group(177, aged 12-13), and youth group (175, aged 16-18). Both groups were administered with 10 μg recombination yeast hepatitis B vaccines with 3 doses at 0 month, 1st month,6th month. To assess the immunogenicity,the vaccination reactions were observed during the following 4 weeks in order to assess the vaccine safety. The blood samples were taken during 4-6 weeks after fully vaccinated, and then anti-HBs were tested with RIA and analyzed by comparing the positive rate of anti-HBs,the geometric mean titer(GMT) and the protective rate between the two groups. Results Both observation and control group didn't show any general reactions,adverse events following immunization(AEFI) or coincidental cases when observed at 0. 5 h,6 h,24 h,48 h, 72 h, 1 week,2 weeks,3 weeks,4 weeks after being vaccinated. The result of serum test showed, the positive rates of child group, early youth group, youth group and control group were respectively 100. 00% (141/ 141),97.18% (172/177), 98. 29% (172/175) and 89. 33% (67/75); the GMTs of anti-HBs were respectively 440. 28,875.38,467.80,131.06 U/L; the protective rates were respectively 100. 00% (141/ 141), 97.18%(172/177), 97.14% (170/175) and 86. 67% (65/75). The positive rate, GMT and protective rate of the experimental group were all higher than that of control group(χ2<,positive rate>=12.77,5.12, 7.99; tGMT=3.89,4.13,5.91;χ2protective rate>=16. 81,8.60,8.44;P< 0.05). Conclusion This vaccine could be expanded to 5-18 year-old population with safety and effectiveness, the positive rate and protective rate of anti-HBs were both higher than that of control group.     

MCV vaccination in the presence of vaccine-associated Guillain–Barré Syndrome risk: A decision analysis approach

The study evaluates the benefits of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) vaccination against the burden of vaccine-associated Guillain–Barré Syndrome (GBS) using simulation. An 11-year-old cohort was followed over an 8-year period in a simulation model Table 3 and  to estimate health outcomes to assist decision makers in setting policy. Applying a 3% discount rate, MCV4 vaccination would save 2397 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) while vaccine-attributable GBS could result in 5 QALYs lost. Based on the result, MCV4 vaccination is strongly favored despite possible vaccine-associated GBS risk.     

Media and public reactions toward vaccination during the ‘hepatitis B vaccine crisis’ in China

BackgroundPublic disputations affected vaccine confidence and vaccine rates particularly when adverse events occur. The vigorous development of Internet in China provides an opportunity to observe public reaction and sentiment toward vaccination when Kangtai Hepatitis B vaccine crisis happened and evolved to a widespread debate on the internet from December 12, 2013 to January 3, 2014.MethodsThis study conducted Internet surveillance by examining three daily indicators including the daily number of relevant online news article, Sina Weibo posts and Baidu search index during the crisis. We also analyzed the sentiments of relevant original microblog posts collected from Sina Weibo platform in the crisis.ResultsA total of 17 infant deaths were reported to associated with Hepatitis B vaccination. Three major waves of high media and public attention were detected. The daily indicators reached their peaks in the second wave after the relevant vaccine was suspended by the authority (from December 20 to December 29, 2013) with 23,200 daily online news reports, 34,018 Sina Weibo posts and 17,832 Baidu search indices. There were significant correlations between the daily amount of online news, Weibo posts, and Baidu searches (p < .001). The contents analysis suggested 1343 out of 1608 (83.5%) original Weibo posts expressed negative sentiment with almost 90% in the second wave.ConclusionThis study found the Kangtai vaccine crisis raised great public attention and negative sentiment toward vaccinations on the internet in China. Policy change such as suspension of the suspected vaccine might trigger even greater reaction and more negative sentiment. The government should provide ways to address emerging public concerns after policy change to avoid misinformation and misunderstanding during such a vaccine crisis.     

The immunogenicity in healthy infants and efficiency to prevent mother to child transmission of Hepatitis B virus of a 10 μg recombinant yeast-derived Hepatitis B vaccine (Hep-KSC)

Background and AimsTo evaluate immunogenicity and efficacy of a 10 μg recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae-derived hepatitis B vaccine (Kangtai Biological Products Co. Ltd, Shenzhen, China) (Hep-KSC) in newborns.MethodsOverall 1197 infants born to mothers negative for HBV markers (NM group) and 534 born to HBsAg-positive mothers (PM Group) were enrolled. Infants in NM group were given 10 μg Hep-KSC, 10 μg Engerix-B or 5 μg Hep-KSC and those in PM group received 10 μg Hep-KSC or 10 μg Engerix-B at 0, 1 and 6 months, with an additional 200 IU HBIG at birth for the latter.ResultsFor NM Group, 10 μg Hep-KSC paralleled 10 μg Engerix-B but outperformed 5 μg Hep-KSC regarding seroprotective rate (95.06% vs 94.83% vs 89.67%, p = 0.0077) and anti-HBs geometric mean concentration (GMC) (798.87 mIU/ml vs 790.16 mIU/ml vs 242.04 mIU/ml, p < 0.0001) at 7 months. The proportion of infants with anti-HBs greater than 1000 mIU/ml was higher in 10 μg Hep-KSC than 5 μg Hep-KSC group (45.77% vs 11.93%, p < 0.0001) at 7 and 12 months. For PM Group, the HBsAg positivity rate in 10 μg Hep-KSC and 10 μg Engerix-B group was 1.60% and 4.27% at 7 months, respectively. In 10 μg Hep-KSC group, 93.61% and 91.29% achieved seroprotection at 7 and 12 months, respectively, and correspondingly 90.24% and 86.96% in 10 μg Engerix-B group. The anti-HBs GMC was comparable between 10 μg Hep-KSC and 10 μg Engerix-B group at 7 and 12 months (575.31 mIU/ml vs 559.64 mIU/ml; 265.79 mIU/ml vs 264.48 mIU/ml).Conclusions10 μg Hep-KSC might be appropriate for neonatal immunization with good immunogenicity and efficacy, especially for infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers.     

Factors associated with effectiveness of the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine in China: 1992–2005

Background

In China, the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B infection was high because of perinatal and early childhood transmission. A three-dose hepatitis B vaccine schedule with a first dose as soon as possible after birth was introduced in 1992 and generalized in 2002 in the Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI). In 2006, a serological survey evaluated the effectiveness of vaccination.

Methods

We conducted a restricted analysis of the national serological survey that sampled children and collected information on demographic characteristics, birth history, hepatitis B vaccination and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) status as determined by ELISA testing. We compared children who received the first dose in a timely way (i.e., within 24 h of birth) with others in terms of HBsAg status, stratified by birth cohort and place of birth.

Results

Three-dose hepatitis B vaccine coverage increased from 60.8% for children born in 1992–1997 to 93.2% for children born in 2002–2005. Meanwhile, timely birth dose coverage increased from 38.7% to 74.4%. Among 29,410 children born in 1992–2005 who had received three vaccine doses and no hepatitis B immune globulin, factors associated with being HBsAg-negative in multivariate analysis included receiving a timely birth dose (p = 0.04), birth after 1998 (p < 0.001), living in an urban setting (p = 0.008) and hospital birth (p = 0.001). The relative prevalence of HBsAg among children receiving the timely birth dose was lower for children born in county or larger hospitals (0.39), intermediate in township hospitals (0.73) and highest at home (0.87).

Conclusions

Hospital birth and receiving a timely birth dose are the main determinants of the field effectiveness of the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine. Efforts to increase the proportion of hospital deliveries are key to increasing timely birth dose coverage and its effectiveness.     

Epidemiological distribution of hepatitis B virus genotypes in 1–29-year-olds in the mainland of China

BackgroundTo analyze the epidemiological distribution of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype in the mainland of China following the implementation of effective preventive measures.MethodsFive hundred and seventeen HBsAg-positive subjects aged 1–29 years surveyed in the 2014 national HBV sero-survey in the mainland of China were enrolled in the study. The full-length HBV genome was obtained by PCR amplification and sequencing. The HBV genotype was determined by phylogenetic analysis. Combined with questionnaire information, HBV genotype distribution was analyzed.ResultsOf the 517 HBsAg-positive subjects, 369 (71.4%) were included in the analysis. HBV genotypes found were B (45.0%), C (36.6%), D (6.0%), C/D (9.8%), B/C (2.2%), and I (0.5%). Geographic differences in HBV genotype were significant for seven regions. Three serotypes were found: adw (47.2%), adr (35.5%), and ayw (17.3%). B2 (43.9%) and C2 (25.2%) were the two major subgenotypes. The predominant genotypes differed between the Han group and the other ethnic groups. No statistical differences in genotype distribution were found by gender, age group, or hepatitis B (HepB) vaccination history.ConclusionThe prevalence of HBV genotype B was higher than that of genotype C with subgenotypes B2 and C2 endemic in 1–29-year-olds in the mainland of China, after HBV prevalence has reduced significantly due to the implementation of preventive measures. HepB vaccination or other factors did not interfere with HBV genotype distribution. The surveillance of HBV genotype was essential for responding to the potential changes and impact on the preventive policies in the future.     

Prevalence of coal workers’ pneumoconiosis in China: A systematic analysis of 2001–2011 studies

Nowadays, coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP) is still believed to be the main occupational disease in China. However, information on the exact prevalence of the disease is not available. Therefore, the aims of our investigation were to provide the missing information in China by conducting a systematic evaluation of published data from 2001 to 2011 and to compare the prevalence of CWP with those in other countries. Published reports about the prevalence of CWP were searched from PudMed^® (English language databases), Foreign Medical Journal Full-Text Service Database (FMJS, English language databases), Chinese Journal Full-Text Database (CJFD, Chinese language databases), Chongqing VIP Chinese Science and Technology Journals Database (VIP, Chinese language databases), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM, Chinese language databases) and Chinese Medical Association Journals Database (CMAJ, Chinese language databases). The quality of identified reports was strictly evaluated using predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Based on these criteria, 11 reports were selected. Then, the content of these reports were reviewed and the needed information was extracted. Meta-analysis was performed on the extracted data. The R2.15.1 software was applied for statistical analysis. The total populations from these reports were 173,646 and 10,821 for dust-exposed coal workers and patients with CWP, respectively. The pooled prevalence of CWP was 6.02% (95%CI: 3.43–9.26%) and the pooled rate of CWP patients combined with tuberculosis was 10.82% (95%CI: 8.26–13.66%). The prevalence was analyzed according to the geographic areas of the study, years of the investigation, duration of dust exposure, coal rank, stages of CWP, types of work and coal-mining categories, etc. Among them, the prevalence of CWP in locally owned mines (9.86%; 95%CI: 1.25–25.17%) was significantly higher than that of state-owned mines (4.83%; 95%CI: 2.35-8.13%) (P < 0.05). Publication bias was assessed by the Egger's test which showed insignificant results (P > 0.05). It was concluded that the prevalence of CWP were still high in China compared to UK (0.8%, during1998–2000) and USA (3.2% in 2000s). In addition, the conditions in locally owned mines had caused more CWP than that of state-owned mines. Our data clearly show that regulatory agencies in China need to step up their effort in implementing more rigorous policies to protect coal miners, especially those in locally owned mines.     

Observational study of vaccine effectiveness 20 years after the introduction of universal hepatitis B vaccination in Tunisia

ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to estimate the national prevalence of hepatitis B infection in Tunisia using data from a nationwide survey, to compare results with those obtained in 1996 survey and to evaluate the impact of vaccination twenty years after its introduction.MethodsA National household-based cross sectional and serological survey was undertaken in 2015 from randomly selected districts using two-stage sampling. Data collection was performed using standardized and pretested questionnaires and collected blood samples were tested for markers of hepatitis B virus infection.ResultsNational point prevalence of Hepatitis B surface antigen was 1.7% (95% CI [1.6–1.9%]). The highest prevalence was found in the Center and South regions with respectively 2.3% (95% CI [2.0–2.7%]) and 2.2% (95% CI [1.8–2.8%]). Vaccine effectiveness (VE) was 88.6% (95% CI [81.5–93.0%]) and was higher among population aged less than 20 years 96.1% (95% CI [70.1–99.5%]) than those aged more than 20 years 59.0% (95% CI [32.0–75.3%]). VE was 85.6% (95% CI [65.8–93.9%]) is hyper-endemic areas and 89.1% (95% CI [80.3–94.0%]) in meso-endemic and hypo-endemic areas.ConclusionsThe prevalence of Hepatitis B surface antigen decreased compared to previous estimations and classify Tunisia as a low endemic country as result to the introduction of vaccination since 1995.     

Economics of polio vaccination in the post-eradication era: should OPV-using countries adopt IPV?

The continued use of oral polio vaccine (OPV) poses a threat to polio virus eradication. Stopping all polio vaccination in the post-certification era is no longer considered to be a practical option. Policy makers agree that OPV use must stop immediately after certification. Therefore, the pragmatic alternative is for the OPV-using countries to switch to IPV. This study estimates the cost of switching to IPV, and the cost-effectiveness of this switch. Using data on the number of polio cases and the number of unvaccinated children in different countries of the world, the risks of polio and polio outbreaks have been calculated. The current cost of routine and intensive OPV immunisation is about US $2143 million in the 148 OPV-using countries. Routine use of IPV in these countries should cost US $1246 million. If the current costs of routine and intensive polio immunisation are considered, adopting IPV to replace OPV will not increase the total global cost. Even if the cost of intensive polio immunisation is ignored, cost-effectiveness ratio of adopting IPV remains less than the average GNI per capita of OPV-using countries. The incremental cost of adopting IPV to replace OPV is relatively low, about US $1 per child per year, and most countries should be able to afford this additional cost.     

Don’t forget about the future: The impact of including future costs on the cost-effectiveness of adult pneumococcal conjugate vaccination with PCV13 in the Netherlands

BackgroundWhen vaccines increase longevity, vaccinated people may experience costs and benefits during added life-years. These future benefits and costs may include increased productivity as well as medical and non-medical costs. Such impacts should be considered in cost-effectiveness analyses (CEA) of vaccines but are often omitted. Here, we illustrate the impact of including future costs on the cost-effectiveness of vaccination against pneumococcus disease. We emphasize the relevance of differentiating cost estimates between risk groups.MethodsWe updated an existing Dutch CEA of vaccination against pneumococcus disease with the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) to include all future medical and non-medical costs. We linked costs by age and risk with survival information and estimates of cases prevented per vaccination strategy based on the original study to calculate the impact of inclusion. Future medical costs were adjusted for relevant risk groups.ResultsFor the base-case strategy, the original incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of PVC13 was €9,157 per quality adjusted life-year (QALY). Including all future medical costs increased the ICER to €28,540 per QALY. Also including future non-medical costs resulted in an ICER of €45,691 per QALY. The impact of future medical costs varied considerably per risk group and generally increased with age.Discussion and conclusionThis study showed a substantial effect of the inclusion of future costs on the ICER of vaccinating with PCV13. Especially when lives of people with underlying health conditions are extended, the impact of future medical costs is large. This inclusion may make vaccination a less attractive option, especially in relation to low thresholds as often applied for prevention. Although this raises important questions, ignoring these real future costs may lead to an inefficient use of healthcare resources. Our results may imply that prices for some vaccines need to be lowered to be cost-effective.     

Status and progress of hepatitis B control through vaccination in the South-East Asia Region, 1992–2015

In 2016, the Immunization Technical Advisory Group of the South-East Asia Region (SEAR) endorsed a regional goal to achieve ≤1% prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among 5-year-old children by 2020. Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is largely preventable with a birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine (HepB-BD) followed by two to three additional doses. We reviewed the progress towards hepatitis B control through vaccination in SEAR during 1992–2015. We summarized hepatitis B vaccination data and reviewed the literature to determine the prevalence of chronic HBV infection pre- and post-vaccine introduction. We used a mathematical model to determine post-vaccine prevalence of HBsAg among 5 year olds in countries lacking national serosurvey data and estimated the impact of vaccination on disease burden. Regional coverage with three doses of hepatitis B vaccine (HepB3) increased from 56% in 2011 to 87% in 2015. By 2016, 7 of 11 countries had introduced universal HepB-BD. Regional HepB-BD coverage increased from 9% in 2011 to 34% in 2015. In 2015, estimated HBsAg among 5 year olds was 1.1% with variability among countries. Myanmar (3.8%), Timor-Leste (2.7%), Indonesia (1.8%), and India (1%) had the highest prevalence of HBsAg. During 1992–2015, vaccination prevented approximately 16 million chronic HBV infections and 2.6 million related deaths. In 2015, around 197,640 perinatal HBV infections occurred in SEAR with majority occurring in India (62%), Bangladesh (24%), and Myanmar (8%). Myanmar had the highest rate of perinatal chronic HBV infections at 16 per 1000 live births. Despite significant progress in the control of HBV, SEAR needs to secure political commitment for elimination and consider additional strategies, such as promoting health facility births, universal birth dose administration, developing strong coordination between health sectors, and using alternative vaccine delivery methods, to improve HepB-BD coverage and subsequently achieve HBV control and elimination.     

A tailored COVID-19 vaccination pathway for children 5–11 years in Victoria,Australia

BackgroundProcedural anxiety was anticipated in children 5–11 years during the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Victoria, Australia, as children in this age group receive few routine vaccines. Therefore, the Victorian state government designed a tailored, child-friendly vaccine program. This study aimed to assess parental satisfaction with elements of the bespoke vaccination pathway.MethodsThe Victorian government and state-run vaccination hubs in Victoria facilitated an online immunisation plan to help parents identify their child’s support needs, and utilised experienced paediatric staff and additional supports for children with severe needle distress and/or disability. All parents/guardians of children 5–11 years who received a COVID-19 vaccine in a vaccination hub were sent a 16-item feedback survey via text message.ResultsBetween 9 February and 31 May 2022 there were 9203 responses; 865 children (9.4%) had a first language other than English, 499 (5.4%) had a disability or special needs, and 142 (1.5%) were Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Most parents (94.4%; 8687/9203) rated their satisfaction with the program as very good or excellent. The immunisation plan was used by 13.5% (1244/9203) of respondents, with usage more common for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander children (26.1%; 23/88) or families with a first language other than English (23.5%; 42/179). The child-friendly staff (88.5%, 255/288) and themed environment (66.3%, 191/288) were the most valued measures for vaccination. Additional support measures were required by 1.6% (150/9203) of children in the general population and 7.9%, (17/261) of children with a disability and/or special needs.ConclusionA tailored COVID-19 vaccination program for children 5–11 years, with additional support for children with severe needle distress and/or disability, had high parental satisfaction. This model could be utilised for COVID-19 vaccination in pre-school children and for routine childhood vaccination programs to provide optimal support to children and their families.     

Background paper to the revised recommendation for hepatitis B vaccination of persons at particular risk and for hepatitis B postexposure prophylaxis in Germany

The German Standing Committee on Vaccination (Ständige Impfkommission, STIKO) recommends vaccinating risk groups against hepatitis B and gives advice for postexposure prophylaxis. STIKO has recently revised this recommendation, focusing on: (i) classification of risk groups, (ii) duration of protection after primary immunization, and (iii) anti-HBs threshold that defines successful hepatitis B vaccination. Orientating literature reviews were performed for the first objective. Examples of population subgroups at increased risk were identified and classified into three indication groups. Systematic reviews on the duration of vaccine-induced protection identified one randomized controlled trial (RCT) and nine cohort studies. When applying the grading of recommendation, assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) methodology, evidence from RCTs was considered of very low quality regarding the question of whether hepatitis B can be prevented for 15 years after successful primary vaccination (anti-HBs ≥?10 IU/l) with a vaccine efficacy of 96?% against chronic hepatitis, 89?% against HBsAg positivity, and 73?% against isolated anti-HBc positivity. However, seven cohort studies showed that no cases of clinical hepatitis B or HBsAg positivity occurred during a maximum follow-up period of 10 years in settings comparable to the situation in Germany when anti-HBs ≥?10 IU/l was used to indicate vaccination success. Less than 1?% of vaccinated study participants had isolated anti-HBc positivity. GRADE assessment of two cohort studies revealed that evidence of very low quality exists that the use of anti-HBs ≥?100 IU/l to measure vaccination success leads to a lower frequency of anti-HBc positivity during follow-up than the use of anti-HBs ≥?10 IU/l. The recommendation was revised according to this evidence.     

The role of anxiety in the perception of technological hazards – A cross-sectional study on cell phones and masts

BackgroundRisk perception is determined by parameters related to the nature of the risk, as well as inherent to the individual perceiving this risk. This study was designed to provide a better understanding of the role of personality, especially anxiety traits, on risk perception. It compared representations of two different risks, smoking (with known and generally accepted adverse health effects) and cell phones (whose hazardous potency is still controversial), each presented in two different forms of exposure, active (smokers and cell phone users) and passive (passive smoking and exposure to cell phone masts).MethodsA self-administered questionnaire sent to volunteer subjects collected sociodemographic and exposure data. It measured the perceived risk as well as 11 psychometric properties of risk using visual analogue scales (values ranging from 0 to 10). An anxiety trait was evaluated by the Spielberger questionnaire.ResultsIn all, 72% of the questionnaires sent were returned. Mean declared risk scores attributed to passive and active smoking were higher (8.75 and 8.31 respectively) than those attributed to cell phones and masts (4.44 and 4.73 respectively). However, scores for the 11 psychometric properties of the risk attributed to cell phones were higher than those associated with smoking, especially for dissatisfaction with information (6.71 and 7.36 respectively for cell phones and masts versus 1.75 and 2.18 for passive and active smoking) and the capacity of authorities to master the risk (6.45 and 6.65 for cell phones and masts versus 4.72 and 4.40 for passive and active smoking). Anxiety did not directly influence the risk scores attributed to these 4 forms of exposure but was predictive of the way in which subjects perceived the risk in terms of two essential properties: uncertainty concerning the effects on health and the potential to trigger health catastrophes. Indeed anxious subjects are more certain about the hazards of cell phones and masts than non-anxious subjects (P = 0.008 et P ≤ 0.001) and attributed a higher catastrophic potential (P = 0.02 and P = 0.004).ConclusionThis study suggests that subjects with an anxious profile are affected by the destabilizing nature of uncertain knowledge concerning the hazardous potency of new technologies and of the controversies concerning this hazard.     

The pursuit of equity in NHS resource allocation: should morbidity replace utilisation as the basis for setting health care capitations?

Although the English NHS has been described as a world leader in pioneering methods of distributing expenditure in relation to population needs, concerns about the legitimacy of using the current utilisation-based model to allocate health service resources are mounting. In this paper, we present a critical review of NHS resource allocation in England and demonstrate the feasibility and impact of using direct health estimates as a basis for setting health care capitations. Comparing target allocations for the inpatient treatment of coronary heart disease in a sample of 34 primary care trusts in contrasting locations in England, we find that a morbidity-based model would result in a significant shift in hospital resources away from deprived areas, towards areas with older demographic profiles and towards rural areas. Discussing the findings in relation to a wider policy context that is generally concerned to direct more health care resources towards the poor, the paper concludes by calling for greater clarity between the goals of health care equity and health equity. Whilst the former demands that the legitimate needs of demographically older populations for more health care resources are acknowledged, the goal of health equity requires real political commitment to resource broader social policy initiatives.