title: Risk factors associated with high prevalence rates of hepatitis C infection in Egypt.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Egypt has the highest reported prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) globally. Until now, no systematic review has been conducted to understand risk factors associated with these high prevalence rates of HCV. This study attempted to identify the various HCV risk factors in Egypt responsible for the high incidence and prevalence rates.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using systematic literature review methods, we searched databases for eligible manuscripts, selecting cohort and case-control studies published in English. Peer-reviewed papers published between 2008 and February 2013 were included. A total of 11 articles met the study selection criteria.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The most examined risk factors found during our review analysis were surgery, transfusion, and age (64-82% of total articles; n = 11). Multiple risk factors held significant association with HCV infection in the included research.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Based on this review, the main HCV risk factor categories are unsafe medical practices and familial risk factors. Improving medical safety and encouraging familial education on HCV may help reduce the incidence of the disease. Most risk factors for HCV transmission in Egypt are healthcare-associated. Primary prevention of HCV infection remains important to reduce HCV transmission. Further research should also focus on risk factor dynamics of HCV in Egypt to reduce transmission and HCV disease burden.
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-4395, USA.
authors.forename: Celeste
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Reker
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-4395, USA. Electronic address: kmislam@unmc.edu.
authors.forename: K M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Islam
mesh_terms: D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004534:Egypt / Q000453:epidemiology; D016174:Hepacivirus; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors
keywords: Egypt; Hepatitis C; Risk factor