Abstract
Background and Aims
Data on the prevalence of HCV infection in Italy are often outdated and from non-urban populations.This study assessed the prevalence and risk factors for HCV infection in a large metropolitan area in southern Italy.
Methods
A random 1:3 systematic sample of the adult general population of Naples was selected from 3 general practitioner patient registers in three different city districts.Socioeconomic indicators and risk factors for HCV infection were collected.Anti-HCV and HCV-RNA assays were performed.Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of HCV infection.
Results
Of 1500 randomly selected subjects, 1315 (87.7%) participated in the study. Forty subjects (3.0%; 95%CI:2.1–4.0) were anti-HCV-positive, with HCV-RNA detected by PCR in 31 (77.5%) of these. Anti-HCV prevalence increased with age,peaking (8.2%) in people born during the years 1945-1955. It was 1.7% in people residing in the better socioeconomic districts;but 5.7% in those residing in the district with lower socioeconomic status (p < 0.01).In multivariate analysis,age ≥60 years (OR 2.8, 95%CI:1.3–6.1) and lower educational level (OR 3.6; 95%CI:1.4–9.3),which is a proxy of low socioeconomic status,were the only independent predictors of the likelihood of anti-HCV positivity.Overall,22.5% of anti-HCV positive subjects were previously unaware of their status.
Conclusions
In the large city of Naples, infection with HCV is most common in people aged older than 60years.Differences in socioeconomic conditions have played an important role in the spread of this infection.HCV positive subjects born during the years 1945-1955 are those who may benefit,to a greater extent,to be identified in order to receive the new effective therapy. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/29QOOkk
via IFTTT
Δεν υπάρχουν σχόλια:
Δημοσίευση σχολίου