Epidemiology of hepatitis C in Islamic Republic of Iran

Abstract Objective To investigate the epidemiological features and demographic characteristics of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected patients and the accurate incidence rate of HCV in Islamic Republic of Iran. Methods This retrospective study was conducted using the data from Iranian National Hepatitis Registry Database consisted of the registered records of HCV patients during 2010–2012. Data were analyzed to calculate the incidence of hepatitis C infection according to age, sex and region of residence in Iranian population during the period. Results During 2010–2012, about 7 765 patients were registered with HCV in Iran. The mean age of patients was (40.4 ± 14.2) years, and the average annual incidence of the disease was 34.5 cases in one million population. The highest incidence rate and frequency of the infection was observed in men aged from 30 to 39 years and in women from 60 to 69 years. The lowest incidence rate and frequency were observed in the age group under 10 years old. The incidence of the disease was higher in the divorced and nomads. Most HCV cases were diagnosed in hospitals. Conclusions HCV is less prevalent in Iran as compared to the neighboring countries. Hepatitis C prevention programs should focus more on people aged from 20 to 40 years, the divorced and nomads.