Rafat Zreiq , Fahad Dhafer Algahtani , Reem Mustafa Ali , Mohammad Al-Najjar , Shadi Suleiman , Fares Alshammari , Ehab Badran Rakha , Thekra Hamoud Alshammari

Abstract

Few studies have assessed the prevalence of hepatitis C infection in the general population of Ha'il in KSA or among hospital patients. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, correlates, and patterns of HCV antibodies among individuals attending King Khalid general hospital. A retrospective analysis was applied to evaluate HCV seropositivity among individuals who attended a tertiary care system from June 2020 to June 2021 in the Ha’il region, KSA. Clinical and demographic data of 3861 patients for HCV seropositivity tests were collected and analyzed using Excel and the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) programs. The association in categorical variables was tested using the chi-squared (χ2) test. The level of statistical significance for the study was set at p < 0.05. The rate of HCVAb among hospital patients was 1.4%, with the majority 65% being females. A statistically significant association was; however, observed between HCV seropositivity and age, medical department as well as the epidemiological month. The rate of HCV seropositive was found significantly increased in the age group 31- 40 (0.44%), dialysis patients (0.6%), and during March 2021(0.35%). The rate of hepatitis C infection is still worrying among hospital patients in Ha'il. Strict universal precautions should be employed in hospitals and dialysis units to prevent HCV transmission.