Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hepatitis B and C Viruses Among Hemodialysis Patients in Dhamar Governorate, Yemen

Abstract

Background: Hemodialysis (HD) patients are at an increased risk of acquiring hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections due to high number of blood transfusion sessions, prolonged vascular access, high exposure to infected patients and contaminated equipment. Aim: This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of HBV and HCV infections and the risk factors for transmission of viral hepatitis B and C among patients who attended dialysis center in Dhamar governorate, Yemen. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 168 hemodialysis patients from hemodialysis center were interviewed. Information was collected by pretested questionnaire. The baseline and follow up data of HBV and HCV serology were gathered from medical records. Results: The overall prevalence of HBV, HCV and HBV & HCV co-infection among the study sample was 29.17%, 10.12% and 0.6%, respectively. Duration of hemodialysis was found to be a statistically significant (P < 0.05) risk factor for HBV and HCV infections. Conclusion: The prevalence of HBV and HCV infections in HD center in Dhamar governorate is still an important health issue in Yemen. Longer duration of dialysis is a major risk factor for HBV & HCV infections. However, further studies with a large number of cases and in different geographic places are needed to better determination of the prevalence and risk factors of HBV and HCV in HD patients