Seroprevalence and risk factors of hepatitis C virus infection among population in Kafr El Sheikh Governorate

Abstract

ObjectivesThe aims of the study were to estimate the antibodies prevalence and to determine risk factors of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the population of Kafr El Sheikh Governorate.BackgroundHCV infection is a major public health problem worldwide. Persistent HCV infection is a leading cause of serious liver disease, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.Patients and methodsThis study included 1000 participants; they were randomly selected from different districts at Kafr El Sheikh Governorate. All participants were subjected to thorough history taking, clinical assessment, and detection of HCV antibodies by one-step test device.ResultsThe prevalence of HCV antibodies seropositive individuals in the study was 16.7% and it is higher among men and in rural areas than in women and in urban areas, respectively.ConclusionThe prevalence of HCV infection in the population of Kafr El Sheikh Governorate is considered as public health problem. The evaluation of chronic HCV prevalence and risk factors for transmission represents a great challenge, which will pay off in achievement of efficient measures for HCV prevention.