The Prevalence and Associated Demographic Factors of Hepatitis C Infections among Patients referred to Hospital of Infectious Diseases in Kabul, Afghanistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant global health concern. In Afghanistan, the epidemiology of HCV is not well understood due to the prolonged conflict and a fragmented healthcare system. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of HCV among patients at the Hospital of Infectious Diseases in Kabul and analyze the demographic factors influencing infection rates.

Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 16553 patients who underwent serological testing for HCV from Jan to Dec 2023. Data on the demographic characteristics, including age, gender, marital status, occupation, education level, and geographic location, were collected and analyzed to determine the prevalence of HCV.

Results: The results revealed a hepatitis C prevalence of about 4% (674 positive cases). The highest prevalence was in the 21-30 yr age group (24.77%), with males making up 60.08% of cases. Most cases were among married individuals (80.71%) and those with lower education, indicating the role of socioeconomic factors in HCV transmission.

Conclusion: The findings indicate a concerning prevalence of HCV among patients in Kabul, particularly among younger adults and males. These results underscore the urgent need for public health initiatives focused on awareness, screening, and treatment to mitigate the impact of HCV in Afghanistan. Targeted interventions aimed at high-risk populations, along with educational campaigns, are essential for improving health outcomes and reducing transmission rates.