Hepatitis C virus infection in Jeddah city, Saudi Arabia: Seroprevalence and knowledge

The infection rate of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Saudi Arabia is among the lowest in the world. However, it is likely that poor knowledge and awareness of HCV infection could minimize the effectiveness of prevention and control programs in the kingdom. Thus, the study objective was to estimate the prevalence of HCV infection, and to assess current knowledge about it, in the targeted population. Data on 5482 Saudi people attending primary healthcare centers in Jeddah City in 2014/2015 were analyzed in this cross‐sectional study. Questions that covered the natural history, risk behavior, and prevention, and treatment of HCV were collected using a predesigned questionnaire. HCV seroprevalence was assessed using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. HCV prevalence of 0.38% (95% confidence interval: 0.22‐0.54) was found. The level of knowledge of the natural history, risk behavior, and prevention and treatment of HCV was poor among the participants. The lowest level of knowledge for all participants pertained to its prevention and treatment. The prevalence of HCV was low in Saudi Arabia (0.38%). However, adequate knowledge of HCV was lacking. Thus, the need to increase knowledge and awareness of HCV in the Saudi population is warranted.