Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is considered an important public health challenge. Traditionally identified risk factors have undergone an epidemiological transition where other risk factors have become the main cause of new infections. To describe risk factors associated to hepatitis C positivity through the evaluation of the epidemiological profile in hepatitis-C high-risk populations. Cross-sectional study was conducted as part of an HCV screening program in Mexican population. All participants answered an HCV risk-factor questionnaire and took a rapid test (RT). All patients reactive to the test were subject to HCV PCR (polymerase chain reaction) confirmation. A logistic regression model was used to examine associations between HCV infection and risk factors. The study included 297 631 participants that completed a risk factor questionnaire and underwent an HCV rapid test (RT). In total, 12 840 (4.5%) were reactive to RT and 9257 (3.2% of participants) were confirmed as positives by PCR test. Of these, 72.9% had at least one risk factor and 10.8% were in prison. Most common risk factors were history of acupuncture/tattooing/piercing (21%), intravenous drug use (15%) and high-risk sexual practices (12%). Logistic regressions found that having at least one risk factor increased the probability of having an HCV-positive result by 20% (OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.15-1.26), compared to the population without risk factors. We identified 3.2% of HCV-viremic subjects, all associated with risk factors and older age. Screening and diagnosis of HCV in high-risk populations (including underserved populations) should be more efficient.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: Liver international : official journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.