Healthcare Related Risk Factors Account for the Majority of HCV Transmissions in Middle Black Sea Region of Turkey: A Case-Control Study

Objective: This case-control study was designed to determine the risk factors for hepatitis C virus transmissions in Middle Black Sea Region of Turkey. Material and Methods: One hundred and ninety-three anti-HCV positive patients were eligible for the study and the number of patients in control group was 190. The individuals in each group were questioned for the factors having a possible role in transmission of hepatitis C virus. The data was evaluated statistically by Chi-square and logistic regression analysis. Results: Among cases, 78% of patients were females. There was no significant difference in terms of gender and average ages between two groups. Taking surgery, endoscopy, coronary angiography, number of the pregnancies and deliveries into consideration, no statistical difference was found between the case and control groups. However, logistic regression analysis revealed that the following risk factors were related to HCV infection: history of blood transfusion before year 1996 (Odd's Ratio (OR)= 4.5), uterine curettage and/or delivery in a hospital (OR= 2.4), hospitalization for more than one week (OR= 2.7) and previous dental care (OR= 1.8). Conclusion: Apart from blood transfusions, hospitalization and medical procedures like dental care, curettage or delivery in a hospital were important risk factors for hepatitis C infection in Tokat region. These risk factors should be eliminated with effective sterilization and disinfection strategies in order to prevent the spread of HCV.