title: Known and probable risk factors for hepatitis C infection: a case series in north-eastern Poland.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the risk profile of patients in hospital with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Poland.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using a structured questionnaire, all patients with confirmed HCV infection were interviewed about the risk factors.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among the 250 patients studied, transfusion before 1993 was the primary risk factor in 26%, intravenous drug use setting in 9% and occupational exposure in health-care in 9%. Women were more likely to have a history of occupational exposure or transfusion before 1993 and less likely to undergo minor surgery. Known nosocomial risk factors (transfusion before 1993, dialysis) were responsible for 27% of infections, probable nosocomial factors (transfusions after 1992, minor surgery) for 14% and further 9% were occupationally acquired infections.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A careful history investigation can identify a known or probable risk factor for HCV acquisition in 59% of patients with HCV infection. Preventive activities in Poland should focus on infection control measures in health-care setting.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine and Community Nursing, Mieszka I 4 B, 15-054 Białystok, Poland. schlabicz@poczta.onet.pl
authors.forename: Sławomir
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chlabicz
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Flisiak
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Grzeszczuk
authors.forename: Oksana
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Kovalchuk
authors.forename: Danuta
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Prokopowicz
authors.forename: Lech
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Chyczewski
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000150:complications