Background: In 1985, a hepatitis C virus (HCV) outbreak caused by plasmapheresis donation was reported in the Hebei Province, China. However, studies assessing the epidemic features and risk factors of HCV in the general population of Hebei have been limited until now.
Methods: The multicenter cluster sampling method was used to collect samples. The participants were interviewed. Relevant information was obtained from the general population using a standardized questionnaire, and association and logistic regression analyses were conducted. Serum samples were taken to test anti-HCV by enzyme immunoassays.
Results: A total of 4562 participants from 11 cities of the Hebei Province were enrolled. The average anti-HCV positive rate was 0.62% (29/4562), which was 1.07% in the rural population, compared with 0.22% in the urban population. The anti-HCV positive rate in the 40-59-year age group was higher than in those aged <40 years. History of blood transfusion and transmission in families were the main risk factors for HCV infection in this area.
Conclusion: The anti-HCV positive rate in Hebei has decreased significantly from that two decades ago. Safety of blood products and health education about HCV still need to be improved.