title: [National study of the spread of hepatitis B to provide a foundation for future vaccination policy].
abstract: On May 1st, 1999, a study was started regarding the spread of hepatitis B in the Netherlands (the so-called BRON study). For one year, data will be collected on new cases of hepatitis B with respect to transmission route, source of infection and risk factors. In addition, by use of mailed questionnaires, information on risk factors will be collected within a large group of control subjects throughout the country. The BRON study is being carried out by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) in co-operation with the municipal health services and medical laboratories. The results of this study should underpin future governmental policy decisions regarding universal or selective vaccination against hepatitis B.
authors.affiliation: Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieu, Centrum voor Infectieziekten Epidemiologie, Bilthoven.
authors.forename: L J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Smits
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: van de Laar
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006285:Health Planning; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D014611:Vaccination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*