[Report on the Current Status of the Korea Hepatitis C Virus Cohort Study]

The Korea hepatitis C virus (HCV) cohort study is currently being developed to analyze the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients infected with the HCV in the Republic of Korea through long-term follow-up, while also laying the groundwork for further research. The study aims to maintain an actual follow-up rate of more than 70% for cohort participants over a period exceeding 5 years and to ensure the total number of registered participants surpasses 1,500 by securing clinical data and biological resources. In 2023, 126 new participants were registered, bringing the total cumulative number of enrollees to 4,005 as of October 2023. Over the past decade, this cohort study has established an operating system for cohort-based research, created standardized research methodologies and survey instruments (Case Report Form), and developed techniques to standardize and validate data collected from multicenter cohorts. Building on these foundations, we aim to establish a scientific basis that will inform policy decisions concerning the management of individuals infected with hepatitis C.