The changing prevalence of anti-HCV seropositivity in a hyperendemic area in Taiwan

• Main Authors: Chia-Hua Chang, 張家華
• Other Authors: Chun-Yuh Yang
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2012
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/31066719194902536044

碩士 === 高雄醫學大學 === 醫學社會學與社會工作學研究所 === 100 === Background/Aim: The maritime part of Tzukuan Township is a documented HCV hyperendemic countryside in Taiwan with an extremely high prevalence rate of 41.6% among adults. The study aimed to assess the secular trend of HCV epidemics in this area. Methods: A consecutive 5-year of screening program has been launched in this hyperendemic area. The prevalence of anti-HCV seropositivity was evaluated in an annual manner. The potential risks of transmission were also assessed. The statistical tests were two-tailed and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. All procedures were performed using JMP version 9. Results: There were 312, 626, 282, 766, and 933 residents participated this screening program in 2008 to 2010 respectively. There was a significant decreasing trend of prevalence, ranging from 34.94% (109/312) in 2006, 31.79% (199/626) in 2007, 38.3% (108/282) in 2008, 24.67% (189/766) in 2009, and 22.16% (207/933) in 2010. Conclusion: In conclusion, our study shows the current status of epidemiological data about HCV infection among adults in southern Taiwan. There are different demographic features in HCV infection.