scholarly journals Awareness and Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection Among Pregnant Women in Nigeria: A National Pilot Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
GEORGE UCHENNA ELEJE ◽  
Ayyuba Rabiu ◽  
Ikechukwu Innocent Mbachu ◽  
Godwin Otuodichinma Akaba ◽  
Olabisi Morebise Loto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Educational Level ◽  
Young Age ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
High Educational Level ◽  
Antenatal Clinics ◽  
High Educational

Abstract Background: Although hepatitis C virus (HCV) may constitute one of the viral hepatitis with high burden in Nigeria, there is no national data on its awareness and burden among pregnant women to justify its routine screening. Objectives: To investigate awareness, seroprevalence and risk factors for HCV infection among pregnant women in Nigeria.Methods: A total of 159 pregnant women from antenatal clinics across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria consented to anti-HCV testing by third generation ELISA and confirmed using polymerase chain reaction technique. Confirmed HCV positive women were further tested for hepatitis B and HIV. The women were evaluated for the presence of known risk factors for HCV infection. Odds ratios (ORs), adjusted ORs (aORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined and p-values of <0.05 were considered significant.Findings: Of the 159 participants, 77 (48.4%; 95% CI, 38.2% to 60.5%) were aware of HCV infection and awareness of HCV was associated with participants’ young age (OR=2.21; 95%CI=1.16 to 4.21), high educational level (OR=3.29; 95%CI=1.63 to 6.64) and participants’ occupation (OR=0.51; 95%CI=0.26 to 0.99). In multivariable logistic regression, adjusted for confounders, the association between awareness of HCV and participants’ young age (aOR=1.60; 95%CI=1.09 to 2.35; p=0.018) and high educational level (aOR=1.48; 95%CI=1.17 to 1.86;p=0.001)remained significant. HCV seroprevalence was found to be 1.3% (95%CI=0.2% to 4.5%). All (100.0%, 95%CI=12.1 to 100.0%) the HCV-positive participants and 99 (63.1%, 95%CI=51.3% to 76.8%) HCV-negative participants had identifiable HCV risk factors. Dual seropositivity of anti-HCV/anti-HIV and anti-HCV/HBsAg each accounted for 1.3% and none of the participants was triply infected or mono-infected with HCV. The more commonly identified risk factors were multiple sexual partners, 25 (15.7%), shared needles, 22 (13.8%), and blood transfusion, 18 (11.3%). The risk factor variables did not have significant association with HCV positive status.Conclusion: There is lack of awareness regarding HCV infection among pregnant women in Nigeria and awareness is positively influenced by young age and high educational level. The prevalence of HCV is high and provides preliminary evidence to justify routine screening in antenatal clinics. There is also a need for enlightenment programs in communities and antenatal clinics. FundingTETFund National Research Fund 2019 (Grant number TETFund/DR&D/CE/NRF/STI/33).

scholarly journals Awareness and prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection among pregnant women in Nigeria: A national pilot cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
pp. 174550652110317
Author(s):  
George Uchenna Eleje ◽  
Ayyuba Rabiu ◽  
Ikechukwu Innocent Mbachu ◽  
Godwin Otuodichinma Akaba ◽  
Olabisi Morebise Loto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Virus Infection ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
High Educational Level ◽  
Hepatitis C Virus Infection ◽  
High Educational

Background: There are no national data on hepatitis C virus awareness and burden among pregnant women to justify its routine screening. Objectives: To investigate awareness, seroprevalence and risk factors for hepatitis C virus infection among pregnant women in Nigeria. Methods: A total of 159 pregnant women from antenatal clinics across six geopolitical zones in Nigeria consented to anti-hepatitis C virus testing which was confirmed using polymerase chain reaction technique. Confirmed hepatitis C virus positive women were further tested for hepatitis B and HIV. Participants were evaluated for risk factors for hepatitis C virus. Odds ratios, adjusted odds ratios, and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined, and p-values of <0.05 were considered significant. Results: Of 159 participants, 77 (48.4%; 95% confidence interval = 38.2%–60.5%) were aware of hepatitis C virus infection and awareness of hepatitis C virus was associated with young age (odds ratio = 2.21; 95% confidence interval = 1.16–4.21), high educational level (odds ratio = 3.29; 95% confidence interval = 1.63–6.64), and participants’ occupation (odds ratio = 0.51; 95% confidence interval = 0.26–0.99). In multivariable logistic regression, adjusted for confounders, the association between awareness of hepatitis C virus and participants’ young age (adjusted odds ratio = 1.60; 95% confidence interval = 1.09–2.35; p = 0.018) and high educational level (adjusted odds ratio = 1.48; 95% confidence interval = 1.17–1.86; p = 0.001) remained significant. Hepatitis C virus seroprevalence was found to be 1.3% (95% confidence interval = 0.2%–4.5%). All (100.0%, 95% confidence interval = 12.1%–100.0%) the hepatitis C virus-positive participants and 99 (63.1%, 95% confidence interval = 51.3%–76.8%) hepatitis C virus-negative participants had identifiable hepatitis C virus risk factors. Dual seropositivity of anti-hepatitis C virus/anti-HIV and anti-hepatitis C virus/hepatitis B surface antigen each accounted for 0.6%. The most identified risk factors were multiple sexual partners (15.7%), shared needles (13.8%), and blood transfusion (11.3%). There was no significant association between the risk factors and hepatitis C virus positive status. Conclusion: Awareness of hepatitis C virus infection among pregnant women in Nigeria is low and those aware are positively influenced by young age and high educational level. The prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection is high and provides preliminary evidence to justify antenatal routine screening.

scholarly journals Pregnant women and risk factors: a cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
V L a Fauci ◽  
R Squeri ◽  
C Genovese ◽  
V Alessi ◽  
A Facciolà
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Health Education ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Educational Level ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Alcoholic Beverages ◽  
High Educational Level ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
High Educational

Abstract Background Many investigations have shown the important role played by risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol in the development of congenital anomalies. Methods Through the administration of an hoc questionnaire, we evaluated the attitude towards smoking and alcohol of a sample of 200 pregnant women at the University Hospital of Messina. The questionnaire was structured to collect information about socio-demographic characteristics, type of gynaecological assistance and their lifestyles (smoking and alcohol). Statistical analysis was performed using version 10 of StatSoftVR software. Results 14% of the women continued to smoke despite pregnancy; the majority of these were young adults, divorced, employed and with a high educational level. Correlating the smoking habit with the socio-demographic characteristics of the studied women, we found a statistically significant difference for the marital status, with a higher number of smokers among the single women (p &lt; 0.05).Moreover, we found a statistically significant difference also for the profession with a higher number of smokers in the worker women (p &lt; 0.05). About the drinking habit, the 4.3% declared to be moderate drinkers (occasional use of alcohol equal to 2-3 glasses a week) despite pregnancy, the 34.4% stated they do not drink alcohol during pregnancy and the 56% stated do not usually drink alcohol. Particularly, about the drinkers' socio-demographic characteristics, the 50% of them were 24-25 years old and the 75% were married. About the type of alcoholic beverages consumed, 86% stated they usually drink bier during the weekend. Conclusions Our study shows that the awareness of the women about the importance of these risk factors is still rather poor. In order to improve the awareness of pregnant women on the importance of avoiding these risk factors and prevent CAs, health education campaigns at various levels surely represent the public health cornerstone. Key messages In our sample 14% of the pregnant women continued to smoke and 4.3% to drink despite pregnancy and they generally were young or young adults and with a high educational level. Our results highlight the importance of continuous health education about the risk to smoke and drink during pregnancy.

Hepatitis C Virus in Pregnancy: A Systematic Review of the Literature

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Andes ◽  
Kerry Ellenberg ◽  
Amanda Vakos ◽  
James Collins ◽  
Kimberly Fryer
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Universal Screening ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
In Pregnancy

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature to summarize recent demographic characteristics of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection during pregnancy and the efficacy of risk-based versus universal screening. Study Design PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched to identify relevant studies. Studies that recognized hepatitis C as a primary or secondary outcome, with pregnant women as the population and written in English, were included. Studies were excluded if they were abstracts only, written in foreign language, or published prior to 1992. Two researchers independently screened all the studies by titles, abstracts, and full text. Conflicts were settled by a third researcher. Results A total of 698 studies were identified with 78 fitting inclusion criteria. In total, 69 epidemiologic and 9 comparison studies were found. Identified risk factors for HCV infection include intravenous or illicit drug use, sexually transmitted coinfection, high-risk behaviors in the partners, high parity, and history of miscarriages or abortions. Demographic characteristics associated with HCV include non-Hispanic white race, American Indian or Alaskan Native ethnicity, and increasing age. Providers may fail to adequately screen for each risk factor, and up to two-thirds of women with a known risk factor are not screened under current guidelines. Finally, up to 27% of HCV+ women have no identifiable risk factors for infection. Conclusion There is evidence that risk-based screening fails to identify a large proportion of HCV positive women in pregnancy and that pregnant women with HCV risk factors and consistent with current screening guidelines fail to be tested. We urge for the adoption of universal screening to identify these women and offer treatment.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Predominant Genotype of Hepatitis C Virus Infection and Associated Risk Factors among Pregnant Women in Iran

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Farshadpour ◽  
Reza Taherkhani ◽  
Farkhondeh Bakhtiari
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Pcr Targeting ◽  
Molecular Evaluation

Objective. Knowledge regarding the prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among pregnant women can give clue to health care providers regarding the appropriate management of HCV infection. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence, genotypic pattern, and risk factors of HCV infection among pregnant women in the northern shores of the Persian Gulf, south of Iran. Methods. From January 2018 to June 2019, serum samples were obtained from 1425 pregnant women, ages ranging from 14 to 46 years ( 28.1 ± 5.99 ). Serum samples were tested for detection of anti-HCV antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (HCV Ab ELISA kit, Dia.Pro, Milan, Italy). Following the extraction of nucleic acid, the molecular evaluation of HCV infection was performed by seminested reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction assay (RT-PCR), targeting the 5 ′ untranslated region (5 ′ UTR) and core of HCV genome and sequencing. Results. Of the 1425 pregnant women, 19 women (1.33%, 95% CI: 0.85%–2.07%) were positive for anti-HCV antibodies. The majority of HCV-seropositive women were in the third trimester of pregnancy, educated, and had a history of blood transfusion, abortion, surgery, or dentistry. Moreover, Arab and Fars pregnant women and those aged >39 years had the highest rate of HCV seroprevalence. Nevertheless, none of these variables were significantly associated with HCV seropositivity. In contrast, HCV seropositivity was associated with place of residency, so that residents of Khormuj city had significantly higher HCV seroprevalence compared to the residents of other cities (OR: 7.05; 95% CI: 1.75–28.39; P = 0.006 ). According to the molecular evaluation, 9 of the 19 HCV-seropositive pregnant women (47.37%) had HCV viremia with genotype 3a. Conclusion. This study reports the HCV prevalence of 1.33% for anti-HCV antibodies and 0.63% for HCV RNA among pregnant women in the south of Iran. Considering the asymptomatic nature of chronic HCV infection and the fact that vertical transmission is possible in women with detectable viremia, therefore, screening of women before pregnancy is recommended to reduce the risk of HCV infection and its complications during pregnancy.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in Tehsil Batkhela District Malakand, KPK, Pakistan

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (06) ◽  
pp. 20251-20256
Author(s):  
Mudassir Khan ◽  
Shahrukh Khan ◽  
Shohra Haider ◽  
Fazal Jalil ◽  
Muhsin Jamal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Skin Color ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Rapid Test ◽  
Prevalence Ratio ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
Hcv Rna ◽  
Common Symptom

Background: Prevalence of Hepatitis C viral infection and its major risk factors has been found out in population of Batkhela, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan by taking number of volunteers from the interested area. HCV prevalence has not been researched in recent time here in this area, so that’s why we contributed. Materials and Methods: Ab rapid test cassette serum/plasma (USA) kit has been used for the mentioned purpose following by ELISA and finally PCR to find out active infection of virus. ICT positive individuals were reconfirmed by ELISA and then ELISA positive samples were carefully investigated by RT-PCR for Hepatitis C Virus. Results: The study population was of 770 volunteers belonging to the mentioned area of research, 453 males and 317 females. The overall prevalence was found to be 5.32% of HCV in Batkhela. This prevalence ratio was 3.12% in males and 2.20 % in females. 3rd generation ELISA was used to refine ICT positive samples which showed that 37 of the ICT positive samples had antibodies detected by ELISA. To find out active HCV infection, ELISA positive samples were refined by real time PCR which showed 2.98% of prevalence of active HCV infection in Batkhela based on HCV RNA in their blood. Principle Conclusion: Overall prevalence was found 5.32%, contaminated reused syringes and blades at Barbour’s shop, blood transfusion, surgical operations and unhygienic food in stalls etc were found significant risk factors for acquiring HCV infection. Body weakness and pale yellow skin color was common symptom in HCV positive volunteers. Safe sexual activities, blood screening before donation and sterilizing surgical equipment’s can protect us from Hepatitis C Virus.

scholarly journals Hepatitis C Virus Prevalence and Risk Factors in a Village in Northeastern Romania—A Population-Based Screening—The First Step to Viral Micro-Elimination

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 651
Author(s):  
Laura Huiban ◽  
Carol Stanciu ◽  
Cristina Maria Muzica ◽  
Tudor Cuciureanu ◽  
Stefan Chiriac ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Antiviral Treatment ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
World Health ◽  
Hcv Rna ◽  
Virus Eradication ◽  
Tertiary Center

(1) Background: The World Health Organization adopted a strategy for the Global Health Sector on Viral Hepatitis in 2016, with the main objective of eliminating hepatitis C virus (HCV) by 2030. In this work, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of HCV infection and risk factors in a Romanian village using population-based screening as part of the global C virus eradication program. (2) Methods: We conducted a prospective study from March 2019 to February 2020, based on a strategy as part of a project designed to educate, screen, treat and eliminate HCV infection in all adults in a village located in Northeastern Romania. (3) Results: In total, 3507 subjects were invited to be screened by rapid diagnostic orientation tests (RDOT). Overall, 2945 (84%) subjects were tested, out of whom 78 (2.64%) were found to have positive HCV antibodies and were scheduled for further evaluation in a tertiary center of gastroenterology/hepatology in order to be linked to care. In total, 66 (85%) subjects presented for evaluation and 55 (83%) had detectable HCV RNA. Of these, 54 (98%) completed antiviral treatment and 53 (99%) obtained a sustained virological response. (4) Conclusions: The elimination of hepatitis C worldwide has a higher chance of success if micro-elimination strategies based on mass screening are adopted.

Testing for Hepatitis C Virus Infection Among Adults Aged ≥18 in the United States, 2013-2017

2021 ◽  
pp. 003335492110472
Author(s):  
Hope King ◽  
J. E. Soh ◽  
William W. Thompson ◽  
Jessica Rogers Brown ◽  
Karina Rapposelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Liver Disease ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
The United States ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
High School Education ◽  
Related Risk ◽  
Hcv Testing

Objective Approximately 2.4 million people in the United States are living with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The objective of our study was to describe demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, liver disease–related risk factors, and modifiable health behaviors associated with self-reported testing for HCV infection among adults. Methods Using data on adult respondents aged ≥18 from the 2013-2017 National Health Interview Survey, we summarized descriptive data on sociodemographic characteristics and liver disease–related risk factors and stratified data by educational attainment. We used weighted logistic regression to examine predictors of HCV testing. Results During the study period, 11.7% (95% CI, 11.5%-12.0%) of adults reported ever being tested for HCV infection. Testing was higher in 2017 than in 2013 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.27; 95% CI, 1.18-1.36). Adults with ≥some college were significantly more likely to report being tested (aOR = 1.60; 95% CI, 1.52-1.69) than adults with ≤high school education. Among adults with ≤high school education (but not adults with ≥some college), those who did not have health insurance were less likely than those with private health insurance (aOR = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.68-0.89) to get tested, and non–US-born adults were less likely than US-born adults to get tested (aOR = 0.77; 95% CI, 0.68-0.87). Conclusions Rates of self-reported HCV testing increased from 2013 to 2017, but testing rates remained low. Demographic characteristics, health behaviors, and liver disease–related risk factors may affect HCV testing rates among adults. HCV testing must increase to achieve hepatitis C elimination targets.

scholarly journals High Anti-HCV Seroprevalence and Low Performance of ICT Strip in Diagnosing Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Children in Enugu Metropolis

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 149-156
Author(s):  
Maryann C. Ezeilo ◽  
Godwill A. Engwa ◽  
Romanus I. Iroha ◽  
Damian N. Odimegwu
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Test Performance ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background:The lack of a vaccine for Hepatitis C virus (HCV) places children at a high risk of contracting the infection. It becomes necessary to accurately diagnose this infection for proper treatment as well as identifying potential risk factors for effective management.Aim:This study was conceived to assess the test performance of the commonly used Immunochromatographic test (ICT) strip and identify the associated clinical manifestations and risk factors of HCV in children in Enugu Metropolis.Method:A cross-sectional study involving randomly selected 270 children below six years of age was conducted in Enugu Nigeria. The subjects were screened for anti-HCV by ICT and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and the demographic, signs and symptoms and risk factors were collected.Results:A total of 50 out of 270 children were positive for anti-HCV with a seropositivity of 18.5%. ICT strip had a very low sensitivity of 38.00% with an accuracy of 88.52% in detecting anti-HCV. The presence of dark urine was associated (p= 0.01) with HCV infection.Conclusion:A seroprevalence of 18.5% of Anti-HCV was found in children below six years old in Enugu metropolis and the performance of ICT in diagnosing HCV infection was poor compared to ELISA.

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