Screening auf Hepatitis-B-Virus (HBV-) und Hepatitis-C-Virus (HCV)-Infektionen in hausärztlichen Praxen – eine quantitative Umfrage in Niedersachsen

On October 1, 2021, screening for hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) virus infections was implemented as part of the general health examination in general practices following a resolution of the Federal Joint Committee.

The aim of this cross-sectional survey was to examine the current implementation of this screening in a representative sample from Lower Saxony, Germany.

During the summer of 2023, 5253 general practitioners in Lower Saxony were invited to participate in an online survey. The questionnaire consisted of 62 items divided into five topics: 1) sociodemographics of participants; 2) patient characteristics; 3) general health examination and screening; 4) diagnostics; and 5) effort, consultation, and feasibility, including facilitating and hindering aspects. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics.

A total of 194 questionnaires were analyzed. Of the participants, 97.9% performed general health examinations. The screening for HBV and HCV infections was performed by 90.2%, mostly irrespective of specific criteria (71.7%). The diagnosis rate was 44.3%. Positive results were followed by laboratory tests (91.3%) and referrals to specialists (54.4%). Conducive measures for further implementation included target-group-specific informational material, repeated screenings, and increased reimbursement. Hindrances perceived by participants included bureaucracy and stigmatization of the target group in the case of positive results.

The screening is implemented in the majority of surveyed general practices, facilitating the detection of previously undiagnosed infections. Measures to optimize the screening included targeted outreach to high-risk groups (e.g., refugees), the possibility of repeated screenings, reduction of bureaucracy, expansion of the target group to those under 35 years, and adequate reimbursement.