Hepatitis C risk factors in Iranian volunteer blood donors: a case-control study.

Background: In order to evaluate some possible risk factors for the spread of hepatitis C infection a case-control study was undertaken.

Methods: The study population consisted of first time blood donors referred to the Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and recombinant immunoblot assay anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) tests were performed for all samples. Risk factors were evaluated using a questionnaire. A stepwise forward logistic regression analysis was used.

Results: The case group consisted of 193 HCV-positive donors, and 196 HCV-negative donors comprised the control group. Transfusion, undergoing endoscopy, extramarital sexual activities, non-intravenous (i.v.) drug abuse, i.v. drug abuse, and receiving wounds at war were found to be independent risk factors of being HCV-positive (Odds ratio: 17, 4, 42.2, 34.4, 52.8 and 5.2, respectively). No apparent risk factors could be demonstrated in 24.5% of the positive cases.

Conclusion: This study could be of particular interest because of the low seroprevalence of hepatitis C and the religious culture of the study population. There are certain medical procedures, lifestyle patterns, and customs and cultural matters in Iran that predispose people to a number of HCV risk factors.