Hepatitis C Virus Antibody Prevalence in STD Clinic Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Robert L. Sautter, Sharon Jones, Daniel I. Weber, William D. LeBar, Daniel F. Heitjan, Mary Magdalene C. Kopreski, Frederick D. Curcio
Primary Institution: Harrisburg Hospital and Planned Parenthood of the Capital Region
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence of hepatitis C virus antibody in patients with sexually transmitted diseases attending an STD clinic?
Conclusion
The study found that attending a Harrisburg, PA area STD clinic is associated with a higher prevalence of hepatitis C antibody compared to other local populations.
Supporting Evidence
- Hepatitis C antibody was detected in 4% of patients in the STD clinic.
- 0.76% of volunteer blood donors tested positive for hepatitis C.
- 0% of patients from the prenatal population tested positive for hepatitis C.
Takeaway
This study looked at women visiting an STD clinic to see how many had hepatitis C. They found that 4 out of every 100 women had it.
Methodology
150 women attending an STD clinic were tested for various STDs and hepatitis C antibodies.
Limitations
The study suggests the need for larger matched control studies to clarify the transmission of hepatitis C.
Participant Demographics
Participants included women aged 13 to 54, with a mix of Black, Caucasian, and Hispanic individuals.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0005
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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