OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the prevalence of Hepatitis C in adult users of the Public Health Services of São José dos Pinhais - Paraná. METHODS: We performed an epidemiological survey with a probabilistic sample of 5,017 volunteers who answered a questionnaire and were submitted to an anti-HCV quick test. Data were organized using Epi-info 3.5.1. The association between the presence of the disease and the factors of interest in the study were evaluated by the Chi-square test. We used a Logistic Regression Adjusted Model for risk factor analysis and the Wald test for decision making on the importance of the risk factors. RESULTS: The absolute frequency of positive anti-HCV was 13, with a prevalence of 0.30%, (IC = 0.12% - 0.40%). A higher probability of the disease was reported in males (p = 0.008) and in single, separated and widowed subjects (p = 0.045); in subjects with prior HCV symptoms (p < 0.001) and a previous blood transfusion (p < 0.001); and with the presence of a tattoo (p = 0.033). Drug abuse, blood transfusion and age > 40 years increased the risk for disease, regardless of sex, age and marital status. CONCLUSION: We found a low prevalence of Hepatitis C, albeit expected for Southern Brazil. Our results did not differ from other studies as to contamination risks. The study may contribute to highlight the importance of Hepatitis C, the need to implement strategies to cope with it, and stimulate better understanding of Hepatitis C.
Hepatitis C; Prevalence; Risk factors
