Risk factors for hepatitis C virus transmission in the municipality of Catanduva, State of São Paulo: a case-control study

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is primarily transmitted via contact with the blood of infected patients, although the form of contact has not been identifi ed for a signifi cant percentage of carriers. The present study evaluated possible risk factors for HCV transmission in a medium-sized town located in the northwest region of the State of São Paulo. Methods: This was a case-control study, with the case group consisting of 190 chronic HCV carriers older than 18 years residing in the municipality of Catanduva. The control group also consisted of 190 individuals with HCV-negative serology. The groups were paired (1:1) for gender, age range (± fi ve years), and place of residence. The same structured questionnaire was applied to all subjects, who gave written informed consent to participate in the study. The data were statistically analyzed using crude and adjusted logistic regression, and the results were expressed as odds ratios with a 95% confi dence interval. Results: The demographic profi les of the groups indicated a predominance of males (68.9%) and mean ages of 47.1 years (case group) and 47.3 years (control group). After adjusting for conditional regression, the following factors were found to represent risks for HCV: history of sexually transmitted disease (STD) and blood transfusion; accidents with syringes and/or needles; tattoos; and the use of non-injectable drugs and injectable medications. Conclusions: The transmission of HCV via the blood route has been well characterized. Other forms of contact with human blood and/or secretions are likely to transmit the virus, although with a lower frequency of occurrence.

Epidemiological correlates of hepatitis C infection- A case control analysis from a tertiary care hospital

“…[ 15 ] in Malaysia, the current study reported no independent association between occupation and acquiring HCV infection. As observed in previous studies,[ 13 15 18 ] our study reported no significant association with marital status and HCV infection.…”

“…Rosa et al . [ 18 ] in Sao Paulo observed that history of blood transfusion had a significant independent association with HCV infection (AOR: 7.33). Prior studies conducted in India[ 10 ] and abroad[ 15 19 20 ] also observed a similar relationship.…”

“…As observed in prior studies, the current study also identified a significant association between non-injectable drug use and HCV infection (OR: 2.37). [ 18 19 ] More efforts should be aimed toward linking PWIDs with primary care providers/physicians for early diagnosis and management of HCV infection.…”

A Study Protocol on Risk Factors for Hepatitis C Infection Among Adult Patients at Tertiary Hospitals in Kedah State

“…The sample size was calculated using formulae for matched case-control by Schlesselman (1982). Based on the study on similar topic conducted by Rosa et al (2014), data indicate that the proportion of exposure to blood and/or secretion among controls was 0.16 and with odd ratio of 1.96. Given α = 0.05 (two-sided) and β = 0.10, the total number of pairs (case-control) required for this study is 247.…”

A Public Health Analysis on Gaps in Disease Monitoring and Opportunities for Improved Care for the Management of Hepatitis B and C

“…Transmission of the hepatitis C virus is of critical importance, as it is a key step to stop the virus from spreading by stopping the route of transmission. Primarily, HCV is transmitted via contact with the blood of infected individuals; other forms of contact with human blood or/and secretions are also likely to transmit the virus, but at a lower frequency [ 7 ].…”