Epidemiological profile of hepatitis c patients: a descriptive study on a regional reference unit

Abstract

Objective: characterizing the epidemiological profile of patients with hepatitis C registered in a Regional Reference Center for Viral Hepatitis in the countryside of the State of Minas Gerais. Method: a descriptive, documental study, with quantitative analysis. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee, Opinion No 560 257. There were analyzed 128 reporting forms for viral hepatitis from 2007 to July 2014. Results: 66% of patients are male aged between 50-59 years old. 24,21% have completed elementary school and 21,09% university degree. Exposures to the virus reported by patients happened on dental treatment (92.9%) and on the use of injectable drugs (67,9%). Genotype 1 virus was predominant followed by genotype 3. Conclusion: most of the results found by the study is consistent with that described in the literature. It is believed to be important more researches regarding this area.