Screening for hepatitis C virus infection among Minia city school students

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global health problem. Cirrhosis and end stage liver disease are considered main complications among adults and children. Egypt show higher level of anti HCV antibodies than other countries. The current study aimed at screening school children for the presence of HCV antibodies. Research design: A cross-sectional research design was used to achieve the aim of this study. Subject and methods: Two randomly selected schools at Minia district (one urban and one rural) were included in the study, 750 school students were included out of 862 with response rate 87%. A structured interviewing questionnaire that included demographic data and risk factors associated with HCV infection such as history of taking any injectable medications drug use, history of blood transfusion, history of hospital operation… etc. Thorough clinical examination andabdominal U/S were done for those who have history suggestive of hepatic illness. All volunteer participants were subjected to rapid HCV antibody test. Results: The mean age of the study sample was 15.18 ± 1.95 years, regarding to results of advanced quality rapid HCV antibody test, only 0.7% of school students were positive anti HCV. Regarding relation between risk factors and percentage of anti HCV among school students, blood transfusion, sharing shaving instruments and tooth brush are statistically significant (p = 0.029, 0.031, 0.002 respectively). Conclusion: The study concluded that the percentage of school students (aged 12–18) years old who are probably infected with HCV was 0.7% (5 out of 750) in Minia district. Keywords: Screening, Hepatitis C virus, School students, Minia