Risk factors for hepatitis C virus infection in male adults in Rawalpindi-Islamabad, Pakistan

OBJECTIVE To identify risk factors associated with HCV infection in Islamab ad-Rawalpindi, METHODS Fifty-seven cases and 180 controls were enrolled from various depar tments of the nine major hospitals of the Rawalpindi-Islamabad during July- September 1998. Cases were enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) positi ve for antibodies to HCV (anti-HCV), aged 20-70 years, and residents of Isl amabad or Rawalpindi division. Controls were anti-HCV ELISA negatives of th e same age range and from the same area. A structured questionnaire was use d to collect data on demographic variables and potential risk factors, whic h was analysed by logistic regression to calculate crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (Cf) for risk factor s. RESULTS The final multivariate logistic regression model revealed that afte r adjusting for age, cases were more likely to have received therapeutic in jections in the past 10 years (1-10 vs. 0 therapeutic injections; adjusted OR = 2.8, 95% Cl: 1.1-7.1; > 10 vs. 0 therapeutic injections; adjusted OR = 3.1, 95% Cl: 1.2-7.9) and were significantly more likely to have daily fac e (adjusted OR = 5.1, 95% CI: 1.5-17.0) and armpit shaves (adjusted OR = 2. 9, 95% Cl: 1.3-6.5) by a barber. CONCLUSION HCV control and prevention programs in this region should includ e safe injection practices and educate men about the risk of HCV infection from contaminated instruments used by barbers.