Hepatitis C Virus Infection at Primary Healthcare Level in Abha City, Southwestern Saudi Arabia: Is Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus an Associated Factor?

Suliman Al Humayed,Nabil Awadalla,Abdullah Alsabaani,Ahmed Mahfouz

doi:10.3390/ijerph15112513

Abstract

Background: There is an increasing concern about the relation between hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The present study aims to determine the prevalence of HCV infection among T2DM patients and non-diabetic patients attending primary healthcare centers (PHCCs) in Abha city, southwestern Saudi Arabia, and to explore the possible association between T2DM and HCV infection. Methods: A cross-sectional study targeting a random sample of T2DM and non-diabetic patients attending PHCCs in Abha City was conducted. Patients were interviewed using a structured questionnaire and screened for HCV infection using fourth-generation ELISA kits. All positive cases were confirmed by qualitative RT-PCR immune assay. Results: The study revealed an overall seroprevalence of HCV infection of 5% (95% CI: 2.9–7.9%). Among T2DM and non-diabetics, a seroprevalence of 8.0% and 2.0% was found, respectively. Using multivariable regression analysis, the only significant associated factor for HCV infection was T2DM (aOR = 4.185, 95% CI: 1.074–16.305). Conclusions: There is strong positive association between T2DM and HCV infection. Yet, the direction of relationship is difficult to establish. Patients with T2DM have higher prevalence of HCV infection than non-diabetic group. It is highly recommended for primary health care providers to screen for HCV infection among T2DM patients and to increase the level of HCV awareness among them.

Highlights

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a common endocrine disorder that involves multi-factorial mechanisms.These mechanisms include resistance to the action of insulin, increased hepatic glucose production, and a defect in insulin secretion, all of which contribute to the development of hyperglycemia and diabetes [1]
The study revealed an overall seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) infection of 5%
The present study reported an overall prevalence of HCV infection among primary health care attendants in Abha City, Southwestern Saudi Arabia, of 5%

Summary

Introduction

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a common endocrine disorder that involves multi-factorial mechanisms. These mechanisms include resistance to the action of insulin, increased hepatic glucose production, and a defect in insulin secretion, all of which contribute to the development of hyperglycemia and diabetes [1]. In a cross-sectional study enrolling more than 6000 patients in Riyadh, the prevalence of diabetes was found to be 30% [2]. The present study aims to determine the prevalence of HCV infection among T2DM patients and non-diabetic patients attending primary healthcare centers (PHCCs) in Abha city, southwestern Saudi Arabia, and to explore the possible association between T2DM and HCV infection. Methods: A cross-sectional study targeting a random sample of T2DM and non-diabetic patients attending PHCCs in Abha City was conducted. All positive cases were confirmed by qualitative RT-PCR immune assay

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