HEPATITIS C VIRUS AMONG HEALTH CARE WORKERS AND THE RISK FACTORS CONTRIBUTING FOR ITS INFECTION

Nagi A. ALHaj; Hosam M. Al-Maktari; Hassan Al-Shamahy; Khalid A. Al-Mouid

Volume : VIII, Issue : IV, April - 2019

HEPATITIS C VIRUS AMONG HEALTH CARE WORKERS AND THE RISK FACTORS CONTRIBUTING FOR ITS INFECTION

Nagi A. Alhaj, Hosam M. Al Maktari, Hassan Al Shamahy, Khalid A. Al Mouid

Abstract :

Back ground: Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in under–developed countries like Yemen. According to an estimate, 2.0 % of Yemeni�s total population suffers from HCV infection which makes a total of 600,000 people. Hepatitis C has emerged as a big challenge for Yemen. Health care workers are at increased risk of being infected due to tremendous exposure. Objective: The purpose of this study was to find the prevalence of hepatitis C, its risk factors contributing for infection among health care Workers at Sana�a City. Methods: A cross sectional survey conducted among 345 health care workers in the main general hospitals and health centers in Sana�a City. Blood samples were collected, and HCV antibodies by both Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) and Recombinant ImmunoBlot Assay (RIBA) were used for diagnostic purpose. Results: The prevalence rate of Hepatitis C virus among HCWs was 4.1%. Those who used needle cupping, needle stick injury, surgical operation, the rate was (8.7%), (4.9%) and (4.2%) respectively. Conclusion: The frequency of HCV among health care workers is high. Awareness programs, training and continuing education should be mandatory and establishment of a national policy roadmap to increase knowledge about hepatitis C prevention. It will decrease the incidence of hepatitis C infection among health care workers.