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[Hepatitis C in health care professionals: prevalence and association with risk factors]

Luiz Alberto de Souza Ciorlia1, Dirce Maria Trevisan Zanetta

  • 1Serviço de Medicina Ocupacional, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto, Rua Santo Agostinho 281, 15025-220 São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil. ciorlampo@yahoo.com.br

Revista De Saude Publica
|March 27, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is more prevalent in healthcare professionals than other groups. Age, job tenure, and blood transfusions are key risk factors for HCV in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Occupational Health

Context:

  • A university hospital in Southeastern Brazil conducted a study from 1994-1999.
  • Included 1,433 healthcare professionals, 872 administrative workers, and 2,583 blood donor candidates.
  • Data collected via admission exams, periodic screenings, and post-accident assessments.

Purpose:

  • To determine the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among healthcare professionals.
  • To identify occupational and non-occupational risk factors associated with HCV infection in this group.

Summary:

  • HCV prevalence was significantly higher in healthcare professionals (1.7%) compared to administrative workers (0.5%) and blood donor candidates (0.2%).
  • Logistic regression revealed a 50% increased risk for every five years of age.
  • Significant associations found between longer job tenure, blood transfusion history, and positive HCV serology among healthcare workers.

Impact:

  • Highlights increased risk of HCV infection in healthcare settings.
  • Informs targeted prevention strategies for healthcare professionals.
  • Emphasizes the importance of age, occupational exposure, and transfusion history in HCV risk assessment.
Abstract

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