Evaluation of Risk Factors Associated with HBsAg and Anti-HCV Seropositivity: Results of a Nationwide Population Based Epidemiological Survey Study in Turkey

Introduction: In this study, it was aimed to evaluate factors associated with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) positivity through the "Raising Public Awareness and Determining Epidemiological Changes in Hepatitis" project conducted by the Viral Hepatitis Society of Turkey. Materials and Methods: A total of 61,943 participants (mean age 35±14.1 years, 50.8% males) who volunteered to participate in the study were screened for HBsAg and anti-HCV by primary healthcare centers distributed throughout 78 cities in Turkey. A standard questionnaire form about sociodemographic features and transmission-related risk factors was completed via face-to-face interviews with each participant. A sub-population of 21,473 participants with complete data were analyzed for the presence of risk factors associated with HBsAg and anti-HCV seropositivity. Results: HBsAg and anti-HCV seropositivity were detected in 1,515 (2.5%) and 332 (0.6%) of the 61,943 study population, respectively. By univariate chi-square test, significant associations were found between hospitalization and anti-HCV and between dental treatment in the last five years and HBsAg and anti-HCV seropositivity. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, dental treatment was still associated with HBsAg and anti-HCV seropositivity, while hospitalization was associated with anti-HCV seropositivity. Conclusion: In conclusion, our findings indicate dialysis and history of hospitalization impose significant risks for hepatitis C transmission, and dental treatment is associated with transmission of both hepatitis B and hepatitis C.