Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection Among Workers of Delta University in Al-Dakahlyea Governorate: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and assess the level of awareness regarding HCV among workers of Delta University. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a randomly selected sample of 96 individuals from the university population. Participants were tested for HCV antibodies using rapid diagnostic test kits. Those who tested positive would have undergone PCR testing for confirmation; however, no positive cases were detected. In parallel, a structured questionnaire was distributed to assess participants' awareness of HCV transmission modes, risk factors, and prevention. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics summarized the findings, and associations between awareness levels and demographic variables were evaluated. Results: All 96 participants tested negative for HCV antibodies, indicating a 0% seroprevalence in the study sample. Assessment revealed 56.25% of participants had high awareness and 43.75% had low awareness of HCV. Statistical analysis revealed a significant association between awareness levels and education-related factors. Conclusion: The study revealed no cases of HCV infection among participants, reflecting the success of national elimination efforts. However, awareness levels varied notably across the sample. Higher awareness was linked to prior education, self-perceived knowledge, and participation in awareness campaigns. Age and gender showed no clear influence on awareness. These findings stress the importance of ongoing health education within academic institutions.