Prevalence of hepatitis C in the adult population of Bulgaria: a pilot study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

This study piloted a European technical protocol for conducting chronic hepatitis C prevalence surveys in the general population. The pilot study took place in the Bulgarian city of Stara Zagora in 2018, and results of setting up, conducting and evaluating the survey are presented.

Results

A probability-based sample of the general adult population was drawn from the local population registry, stratified by age and sex. A sample size of 999 was calculated, and accounting for 50% non-response, 1998 registered invitation letters were sent. Venous blood samples and questionnaire data were collected by the Regional Health Inspectorate in Stara Zagora. Blood samples were tested for anti-HCV, and if reactive for RNA. 252 (21.6%) of the participants were included in the st

SUBMITTER: Sperle I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7341663 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature