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. 2025 Apr 3;25(1):1248.
doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-21777-6.

Temporal and geospatial patterns of hepatitis C virus prevalence: a longitudinal examination using national health insurance service data in the Republic of Korea (2005-2022)

Hwa Young Choi  1 , Moran Ki  2
Affiliations

Temporal and geospatial patterns of hepatitis C virus prevalence: a longitudinal examination using national health insurance service data in the Republic of Korea (2005-2022)

Hwa Young Choi et al. BMC Public Health. .

Abstract

Background: Viral hepatitis, recognized as a significant global public health threat by the World Health Organization (WHO), has spurred efforts to establish elimination goals by 2030. In Republic of Korea (Korea), the prevalence of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection exhibits significant regional disparities, necessitating tailored infection control measures at the regional level. This study aimed to analyze the HCV prevalence trend by area (region/town) in Korea, from 2005 to 2022, and identify the areas requiring priority management.

Methods: A comprehensive analysis of HCV prevalence trends across different geographical regions and towns from 2005 to 2022 was conducted. Using data from the National Health Insurance Service, individuals diagnosed with acute or chronic HCV during this period were included in the analysis. HCV prevalence was adjusted by area, year, sex, and age. Additionally, trends in annual percent changes (APC) and average APC (AAPC) in HCV prevalence were examined using Joinpoint regression analysis.

Results: Age, sex, and region adjusted HCV prevalence per 100,000 people declined from 151 in 2005 to 98 in 2022. During the 18 years, the highest HCV prevalence was recorded in the southern regions of Korea (Busan, Jeonnam, and Gyeongnam) and in the towns of Namhae-gun of Gyeongnam, Boeun-gun of Chungbuk, and Sunchang-gun of Jeonbuk. The age-, sex-, and region-adjusted annual HCV prevalence decreased significantly at an APC of -2.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: -3.5, -1.4) and AAPC of -2.7% (95%CI: -4.3, -1.0). By town, the prevalence decreased the most in Boeun-gun of Chungbuk (AAPC: -23.7%; 95%CI: -30.2, -16.5) and increased the most in Gunwi-gun of Gyeongbuk (AAPC: 3.0%; 95%CI: 1.1, 4.9).

Conclusions: Over 18 years, a notable decline in HCV prevalence was observed in Korea, although this trend exhibited regional disparities. To effectively achieve the WHO hepatitis elimination goals by 2030, targeted interventions should prioritize areas with persistent or emerging prevalence.

Keywords: All-cause mortality; Annual percentage change (APC); Big data; Geographic information systems; Joinpoint regression analysis.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the National Cancer Center (NCC2023-0026). Since this study used secondary data that is open only to researchers meeting specific conditions, it was exempted from requiring informed consent according to regulations. The Institutional Review Board of the National Cancer Center determined that informed consent was unnecessary due to the nature of the data. Consent for publication: Not Applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Sex-adjusted hepatitis C prevalence per 100,000 by age in Korea, 2005–2022
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Map of hepatitis C prevalence per 100,000 by town in Korea, 2005–2022
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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