Journal of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences

Background and Objective: The prevalence of hepatitis C infection is less than 1% in the general population, however the trend is increasing. Little is known about epidemiology of hepatitis C in Yazd according to population based data. This study was conducted to investigate the epidemiology of hepatitis C in Yazd during 2010-2012.

Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using data from all hepatitis C cases reported in Yazd during 2010-2012 by Iranian National Registry for Hepatitis. The annual incidence rates were calculated by age group and sex.

Results: During the period of 2010-2012, the incidence rate of hepatitis C was 9.25 per 10⁵, male 16/10⁵ and females 2.1/10^5, and the average age of cases was 38.32±11.25. The lowest incidence rate was reported in the age groups below 20 years and above 70 years and the highest rate was observed in the age group 30-39 years. Frequency of Frequency of HCV(Hepatitis C Virus) in men was eight folds more than women. Most patients live in urban areas, married, and were reported from health centers.

Conclusion: Since the disease was observed in individuals of all ages with high social activities, it is recommended to initiate the prevention program for hepatitis C in the age group 20-60 years, with an emphasis on prevention of exposure to hepatitis C infection particularly  in the high risk groups.

Key words: Hepatitis C, Epidemiology, Incidence Rate

Funding: This work was funded by Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Research Centre for Infectious Disease.

Conflict of interest: None declared.

How to cite this article: Afzali M, Mirzaei M, Shoraka H, Saadati H. Epidemiological Survey of Hepatitis C in Yazd during 2010 - 2012: A Short Report. J RafsanjanUniv Med Sci 2015 13(10): 1171-78. [Farsi]