PREVALENCE AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH HEPATITIS C VIRUS INFECTION AMONG ELDERLY PATIENTS AGED FROM 45 TO 85 YEARS AT GISENYI DISTRICT HOSPITAL, RWANDA.
Abstract
Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global health concern, affecting approximately 71 million people worldwide. The global prevalence is estimated at 2.5%, with 2.9% in Africa and 6.8% in Rwanda. This study assessed the prevalence of HCV among individuals aged 45 to 85 at Gisenyi District Hospital and identified associated demographic and clinical factors.
Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using a simple random sampling technique. Data were extracted from medical records, and statistical analysis was performed using STATA version 15 to determine prevalence rates and associated variables.
Results: The prevalence of HCV infection among elderly patients was found to be 9.87%. Individuals aged 65-74 were 1.3 times more likely to be infected compared to those aged 45-65. Significant associations with HCV included marital status (cohabiting, divorced), scarification, liver function tests, chronic hepatitis C, cirrhosis, extrahepatic manifestations, seropositive HIV status, and poor recovery. Age emerged as a significant predictor (odds ratio: 0.52), while gender showed no significant association. Scarification presented a marginally significant negative association.
Conclusion: These findings underscore the need for targeted screening and educational interventions to reduce HCV rates in older adults. Increasing awareness and access to preventive measures and treatment are essential to mitigate the burden of HCV in this population.