Risk factors of hepatitis C virus infection in blood donors in Thailand: a multicenter case-control study.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in healthy blood donors in Thailand


METHODS
We performed a case-control study of 435 HCV-seropositive blood donors and 894 HCV-seronegative blood donors as controls. The study was done with direct interview regarding demographic characteristics and risk factors. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by using conditional logistic regression.


RESULTS
The final multivariable model included only the following independent HCVrisk factors: intravenous drug user (IDU) (OR = 61.5; 95%CI, 26.6-142.5), previous blood or blood products transfusion (OR = 12.3; 95%CI, 7.6 -19.9), sharing of razors (OR = 2.3, 95%CI, 1.6-3.2),unsafe injection (OR = 3.3, 95%CI, 1.8-5.9), unused condom (OR = 1.6; 95%CI, 1.1, 2.4). No risk was shown for a history of tattoo, ear piercing, or acupuncture and multiple sexual partners.


CONCLUSIONS
The risk factors for HCV infection in healthy blood donors in Thailand are IDU, past history of blood transfusion and unsafe injection.
Tanwandee
Tawesak
T
Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. sittw@mahidol.ac.th
Piratvisuth
Teerha
T
Phornphutkul
Kannilka
K
Mairiang
Pisaln
P
Permpikul
Parichart
P
Poovorawan
Yong
Y
D001782:Blood Donors; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003710:Demography; D006306:Health Surveys; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D013785:Thailand / Q000453:epidemiology