Background and study aim: Egypt has very high prevalence of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection Aim: To identify possible risk factors of HCV in Suez Canal region of Egypt.
Materials and Methods: HCV positive individuals in 5 different hospitals and control blood donors were subjected to anti HCV tests and interview questionnaire to identify risk factors.
Results: A total of 1176 subjects were studied for HCV, of which 539 were HCV-positive and637 HCV-negative donors. Subjects who achieved less than university education, unemployed or gaining less than 600 Egyptian pounds monthly had an increased risk of HCV (OR= 4.18, CI3.28-5.34, p 0.000), (OR= 3.26, CI 2.55-4.16, p 0.000), and (OR= 3.32, CI 2.59-4.26, p 0.000). Informal male circumcision doubled the risk of HCV (OR= 2.08, CI 1.53-2.83, p 0.000). Shaving at a barber and sharing razors increased HCV risk 2 times, while sharing tooth brushes increased it 7 times (OR = 7.23, CI 2.74-18.79, p 0.000). HCV risk increased after endoscopy (OR =3.62, CI2.02-6.52, p 0.000), blood transfusion (OR 3.47, CI 2.18-5.54, p 0.000), and injection treatment(OR= 1.41, CI 1.02-1.95, p 0.040). Any delivery and dental care in governmental clinic were independent risk factors (OR 2.57, CI 1.25-5.30, 0.011), (OR 1.46, CI 1.08-1.97, p 0.014). Schistosomiasis parenteral treatment doubled the HCV risk (OR= 2.09, CI 1.35-3.23, p 0.001) and chronic kidney disease patients were more at risk (OR= 2.95, CI 1.40-6.24, p 0.005).
Conclusion: Infection control in medical practice and behavioral modifications in this region is essential to prevent HCV transmission.