Hepatitis C prevalence and risk factors in the northern Alberta dialysis population.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an emerging global public health issue with particular relevance in multiply transfused renal dialysis patients. This cross-sectional study evaluated the prevalence and risk factors for HCV infection among renal dialysis patients in northern Alberta, Canada. Ninety-two percent of eligible patients (n = 336) provided informed consent to participate. Participants were interviewed to gather risk factor information and, using multiple logistic regression analysis with exact inference, a predictive model for HCV infection in this population was developed. The prevalence of HCV infection in the population was 6.5%, and all positive patients had at least one identifiable risk factor. The multivariate analysis showed that the risk of HCV infection was greater for those in the 18-55 years age category (odds ratio (OR) = 4.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2-27.9), patients who had been on dialysis > 5 years (OR = 3.7, 95% CI 1.2-12.0), and patients who had > or = 2 high risk life-style behaviors (OR = 5.0, 95% CI 1.5-16.7). Transfusion prior to 1990 was marginally associated with HCV status (OR = 4.0, 95% CI 0.96-16.3). This study documented previously unreported life-style risk factors for HCV infection in patients with renal failure, confirmed the expected decline in transfusion-acquired HCV infection in this population, and provided evidence against nosocomial transmission of HCV.
Sandhu
J
J
Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
Preiksaitis
J K
JK
Campbell
P M
PM
Carriere
K C
KC
Hessel
P A
PA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000416:Alberta / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance; D015995:Prevalence; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D065227:Transfusion Reaction