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Background and aims: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination programs in Taiwan are one of the earliest programs in the world and have largely reduced the prevalence of HBV infection. We aimed to demonstrate the vaccination efficacy after 35 years and identify gaps toward HBV elimination. Methods: A total of 4717 individuals aged 1–60 years were recruited from four administrative regions based on the proportion of population distribution. Serum levels of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B surface antibody (anti‐HBs), and hepatitis B core antibody (anti‐HBc) levels were assessed. HBV viral load, genotypes and HBsAg 'ɑ' determinant variants were evaluated if indicated. Results: After 35 years of vaccination, the overall seropositivity rates for HBsAg and anti‐HBc in Taiwan were 4.05% and 21.3%, respectively. The vaccinated birth cohorts exhibited significantly lower seropositivity rates for both markers compared to the unvaccinated birth cohorts (HBsAg: 0.64% vs. 9.78%; anti‐HBc: 2.1% vs. 53.55%, respectively; p < 0.0001). Maternal transmission was identified as the main route of HBV infection in breakthrough cases. Additionally, increased prevalences of genotype C and HBsAg escape mutants were observed. Conclusion: The 35‐year universal HBV vaccination program effectively reduced the burden of HBV infection, but complete eradication of HBV infection has not yet been achieved. In addition to immunization, comprehensive screening and antiviral therapy for infected individuals, especially for pregnant women, are crucial strategies to eliminate HBV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Medical disputes have long been resolved via lawsuits. Alternative dispute resolutions have been promoted for their benefits and win–win results. This study aims to investigate Taiwanese hospital medical dispute capacities and burdens. (2) Methods: This study used 2015 nationwide questionnaire data. The number and value of medical disputes that occurred in 2014 was examined to evaluate hospitals' capabilities. Poisson regressions were used to determine the impact of coping abilities on the incidence of disputes and the associated compensation. (3) Results: The response rate of the questionnaire was 90%. Hospital features associated with higher medical disputes incidence included those of a scale ≤ 100 or 200–499 and having a dispute–inform process of over 4 h. In contrast, hospitals whose compensation fund was solely based on medical liability insurance reported less medical dispute incidence. The features associated with higher compensation were lack of continuing training and having a dispute–inform process over 4 h. In contrast, hospitals with standard operating procedures for in-hospital mediation and solicitude paid lower compensation. (4) Conclusions: Hospitals with quicker response times experienced fewer medical disputes and paid lower compensation. Dispute coping skills, other than reaction time, were more visible in compensation bargaining, but were not significantly correlated with incidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the factors associated with the different uses of report cards, physician rating websites, social media, and Google, including awareness, physician finding, and decision-making based on reviews from the patient/client perspective. Methods: We used computer-assisted telephone interviews to conduct a nationwide representative survey in Taiwan. Results: The urbanization level of the area, income, and long-term health conditions were not associated with the three kinds of usage of the websites studied. Seeking health information was an important factor in the three kinds of website use. The employment industry was associated with awareness, and education level was associated with physician seeking and actions based on reviews. Conclusions: Different factors influenced the three kinds of usage: awareness, actual use (i.e., finding an appropriate physician), and decision-making based on reviews. Seeking health information is of primary importance regardless of how the websites are used. Practical implications: Policy-makers should focus on educating individuals working outside the health care sector to increase awareness of these websites and to assist individuals with low levels of education in increasing their use of these websites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purposes of this study were to determine the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), sources of health information, and reasons for using CAM among people in Taiwan in the previous year. The relationships between CAM use, demographic characteristics, and health status were examined. Methods: The participants in this study were people 18 years old or older in Taiwan. Stratified random sampling and probability proportional to size methods were employed for sampling. The Computer Assisted Telephone Interview system was used to conduct a questionnaire-based survey with a total of 2,266 valid samples. Results: The rate of CAM use for health promotion or treatment of diseases during 2011 was 37.6%. Taking Chinese herbal medicine was the most common type of CAM use and people typically utilized CAM to manage musculoskeletal and connective tissue conditions such as waist or back pain or stiff or painful neck and shoulders. Relatives and friends were the primary sources of health information for CAM use, and the primary reasons for using CAM were the beliefs that conventional medical treatments were based on misdiagnoses or often had side effects. Women, adults between 20 and 59 years of age, people with a high level of education, those with a medicinerelated educational background, and those who were employed, had a high income level, lived in highly-urbanized areas, or had poor health were more likely to use CAM. Conclusions: When using CAM for health promotion or treatment of disease, people in Taiwan cited diverse experiences. We recommend that health authorities and agencies incorporate CAM-related issues as part of health policy, and schools and healthcare institutions consider CAM as required education and training. Moreover, empirical studies on CAM should be emphasized in order to ensure the effectiveness and safety of CAM use in Taiwan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]