EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CHRONIC VIRAL HEPATITIS C INFECTION

Abstract

Hepatitis C is a serious socio-economic and medical problem. Purpose of the study. It consists in analyzing the incidence of hepatitis C in the Khorezm region by socio-professional groups of the population and assessing the involvement of patients in risk factors. Materials and methods of the study. The data reflecting the dynamics of acute hepatitis C incidence (643 cases in total), the socio-professional composition and risk factors of patients in the Khorezm region for 1998-2023 were used. The study used social, epidemiological and statistical methods. Research results and discussion. In the period 1998-2023 in the Khorezm region the average incidence rate of acute hepatitis C per 100,000 residents is 1.8. In 1998-2009 there was a high incidence rate. In 2010-2023 the incidence rate sharply decreased and became sporadic. According to the analysis of anamnestic data, the proportion of patients with risk factors for hepatitis C virus infection (81.2%) is 4.3 times higher than the proportion of patients not belonging to the risk group (18.8%) (p<0.01). Conclusions. It is necessary to take into account the socio-professional composition of patients and their involvement in risk factors both when determining preventive measures against hepatitis C and when providing medical services to patients.