Prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in Qatar's resident population based on a national screening campaign

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection poses a global health challenge, yet its epidemiology in Qatar remains underexplored. This study estimated HCV antibody (Ab) prevalence in Qatar and examined associated socio-demographic factors. From January 2017 to December 2019, the Ministry of Public Health conducted a national HCV awareness and surveillance campaign. A total of 81,615 individuals, including both Qatari nationals and expatriate residents from 137 countries, underwent HCV antibody testing using the Elecsys Anti-HCV II electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Probability weights were applied to adjust for age, sex, and nationality, to the testing sample. Logistic regression assessed factors associated with HCV Ab positivity. Among individuals tested, 1149 were positive, 80,299 were negative, and 167 were indeterminate. The estimated HCV Ab prevalence in the study sample was 1.4% (95% CI 1.3-1.5%). The weighted HCV Ab prevalence in the resident population of Qatar was also estimated at 1.4% (95% CI 1.2-1.7%). HCV Ab positivity was strongly associated with age, with higher adjusted odds ratios (AORs) in older individuals. Disparities were noted among certain nationalities, with Bangladeshis and Tunisians having lower odds of infection, while Pakistanis, Egyptians, and Yemenis had higher odds of being infected. Males had a 1.97-fold (95% CI 1.47-2.65) higher odds of being HCV Ab positive compared to females. The considerable HCV Ab prevalence in Qatar underscores the need for targeted interventions, prevention and harm reduction strategies, and expanded testing and treatment programs to advance progress toward the 2030 elimination target.