Incidence of Hepatitis C Infection in Patients on Dialysis at Tikrit Teaching Hospital: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a major public health problem among patients undergoing hemodialysis. Frequent blood exposure, repeated vascular access, and prolonged hospital stay increase the risk of transmission. Patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis are at high risk for acquiring hepatitis C virus infection than the others. 
Objective:  To  determine  the  incidence  and  associated  risk  factors  of Hepatitis C infection among dialysis patients at Tikrit Teaching Hospital. The study started from 1st mars to 30t may 2024. The total study group consisted  of  100  patients.  The  participants  were  directly  interviewed according  to  questionnaire  consist  socio-demographic  data  were  (age, gender, marital stats, occupation) and duration on hemodialysis, number of hemodialysis session.
Methods: A case-control study was conducted involving 100 participants divided equally into 50 hemodialysis patients and 50 healthy controls. Demographic  characteristics,  duration  of  dialysis,  blood  transfusion history, and HCV serological status were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.
Results: The prevalence of HCV infection among dialysis patients was significantly  higher  compared  to  controls.  Longer  dialysis  duration, multiple blood transfusions, and older age were associated with increased HCV positivity.
Conclusions: Hemodialysis patients are at significantly higher risk of HCV infection.  Strict infection  control  measures and  periodic  screening  are recommended to reduce  disease transmission.