Risk factors for acquiring HCV at a healthcare center in Hidalgo, Mexico

The approach to HCV infection begins with the directed search for risk factors linked to its acquisition. Therefore, our primary aim was to identify the prevalence of risk factors associated with HCV infections in insured individuals seen at the Hidalgo delegation of the IMSS.

An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted through validated surveys that identified major and minor risk factors. In cases of major risk factors, the Advanced Quality™ RAPID-ANTI-HCV TEST Accutrack^® tests were applied to detect anti-HCV. Patients with positive tests were referred to the Hepatology service for the diagnostic-therapeutic approach. Statistical analysis was performed through measures of central tendency and percentages.

A total of 528 insured individuals were surveyed (95%CI with a 5% margin of error). Two hundred eighty-two rapid tests were performed. Five of them were positive (0.94%) and belonged to the patients in the dialysis/hemodialysis group. A total of 71.2% persons had positive risk factors. The association of 2 or more factors varied from 2 to 8 factors present at the same time. Of the entire study population, 6.25% presented with 4 risk factors and 4.35% presented with 5 risk factors at the same time.

Nearly three quarters of the individuals surveyed were exposed to HCV acquisition. The association of 2 or more risk factors in patients demonstrated their collective potentiality for acquiring HCV. We identified persons receiving treatment with dialysis/hemodialysis and those with high-risk sexual practices as vulnerable groups for HCV infection and suggest that they receive promotion and prevention activities, as well as public policy management.