International Journal of Advanced Community Medicine
Vol. 1, Issue 3, Part A (2018)
Occupational risk of HCV infection among slaughter house workers
Author(s): Yasmine Mohammed Alkassabany, Azza Galal Farghaly and Engy Mohamed El-Ghitany
Abstract:
Objectives: To investigate the risk of HCV infection among slaughter house workers (SHWs).
Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 369 SHWs recruited from 3 governorates. A pre-questionnaire was filled. HCV antibody testing and PCR for positive cases were done.
Results: HCV prevalence was 10.3 % among SHWs. It increased significantly with age (p=0.000) and differed significantly according to the place (p =0.034) ranging from 6.2in Al-basateen (Cairo) to 18.6% in Damanhur (Beheira). It was significantly (p =0.002) higher among veterinary assistants (66.7%) followed by manual workers (26.7%). Age older than 47 years, history of blood transfusion and history of schistosomiasis were the independent risk factors associated with HCV infection among SHWs.
Conclusion: There is an occupational risk for HCV infection among Egyptian SHWs amongst whom veterinary assistants and manual workers had the highest risk.
Yasmine Mohammed Alkassabany, Azza Galal Farghaly, Engy Mohamed El-Ghitany. Occupational risk of HCV infection among slaughter house workers. Int J Adv Community Med 2018;1(3):23-28. DOI: 10.33545/comed.2018.v1.i3a.27