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Published on: December 15, 2023
Protocol for a comprehensive analysis of hepatitis C risk factors among the Rohingya population in camp settings in
Charls Erik Halder1, Md Abeed Hasan2,3, Hamim Tassdik2
1Migation Health Division (MHD), International Organisation for Migration, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh icyerik@gmail.com.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) poses a significant risk to Rohingya refugees. This study identifies socio-demographic, medical, and behavioral factors contributing to HCV transmission for targeted prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major global health concern.
- The Rohingya refugee population in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, exhibits a high HCV prevalence (approx. 20%).
- Understanding risk factors is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies in this vulnerable population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify key socio-demographic, medical, traditional, and behavioral risk factors associated with HCV seropositivity among Rohingya refugees.
- To provide evidence for targeted prevention efforts and policy development to reduce HCV transmission.
- To inform community initiatives for improved public health outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-method sequential explanatory design combining quantitative and qualitative approaches.
- Phase one: A case-control study (900 HCV-positive cases vs. 900 matched controls) using semi-structured questionnaires.
- Phase two: Focus group discussions (n=12) and key informant interviews (n=50) to elaborate on quantitative findings.
Main Results:
- Analysis will involve logistic regression for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative data.
- Associations between specific risk factors and HCV seropositivity will be determined.
- Identification of significant contributing factors to HCV risk within the refugee community.
Conclusions:
- Findings will support evidence-based recommendations for HCV prevention and control.
- Results will inform policy and community-based programs aimed at reducing HCV transmission.
- The study aims to contribute to improved health outcomes for the Rohingya refugee population.
Background:
The hepatitis C virus (HCV)-a communicable disease of global health concerns-affects approximately 20% of the Rohingya refugee population in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, which is higher than that observed in its endemic country and the host population. This study will assess socio-demographic, medical, traditional and behavioural factors contributing to HCV risk among the Rohingya refugee population to provide the basis for future prevention efforts.
Methods:
A mixed-method study using a sequential explanatory design, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches, will be employed. For phase one, a case-control study of 900 HCV-positive cases and 900 matched HCV-negative controls will be conducted to determine associations with risk factors through semi-structured questionnaires. For phase two, focus group discussions (n=12) and key informant interviews (n=50) with caregivers, healthcare providers and community members will help explain and expand on the quantitative findings. Analyses will include logistic regression (quantitative) and thematic analysis (qualitative).
Expected Outcomes:
The study aims to identify key risk factors, including unsafe medical practices, traditional procedures, personal hygiene behaviours and sexual practices, and assess their association with HCV seropositivity. Findings will support recommendations for evidence-based prevention as well as policy and community initiatives to reduce HCV transmission among refugee populations.
Ethics And Dissemination:
Ethical approval has been obtained from Cox's Bazar Medical College Hospital (Approval Ref: CoXMC/2024/019). Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and stakeholder workshops to inform policy and programmes.
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