The prevalence of hepatitis C among healthcare workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of viral hepatitis C (HCV) infection among healthcare workers (HCWs) compared to the general population. A systematic search for the years 1989-2014 was conducted in the Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases. Studies on hepatitis C in HCWs were included if they incorporated either a control group or reference data for the general population. The study quality was classified as high, moderate or low. Pooled effect estimates were calculated to determine the odds of occupational infection. Heterogeneity between studies was analysed using the χ(2) test (p<0.10) and quantified using the I(2) test. 57 studies met our criteria for inclusion and 44 were included in the meta-analysis. Analysis of high and moderate quality studies showed a signif

SUBMITTER: Westermann C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4680146 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature