Prevalence Rate of Hepatitis C Among Patients Undergoing Ocular Surgeries at A Tertiary Care Hospital of Western UP

Objectives: To study the prevalence rate of Hepatitis C among patients undergoing ocular surgeries between the age of 18-80 years at Muzaffarnagar Medical College. Methods: This hospital-based observational study was conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology, Muzaffarnagar Medical College and Hospital, covering a population in age group of 18-80 years undergoing ocular surgeries. Data collection spanned 18 months, with a sample size of 500. Patients undergoing ocular surgeries were tested for Hepatitis C by Rapid chromatography immunoassay for qualitative detection of antibodies and positive results were confirmed by ELISA. Results: The study found a prevalence of 5.6% of Hepatitis C in patients undergoing ocular surgeries in a tertiary care hospital of western UP. Majority of patients were in the age group of 61-70 years. It was observed that the patients who were tested positive for Hepatitis C were mainly from the rural background and most of them belonged to lower socio-economic status. Conclusion: A 5.6% prevalence rate of Hepatitis C in our study underscores the importance of targeted screening, particularly among high-risk groups identified by age, gender, residence, and socio­economic status before performing any ocular surgery. The findings emphasized the necessity for focused public health interventions to address the disparities and enhance management and prevention strategies for Hepatitis C among patients undergoing ocular surgeries. Also, by knowing the status of infectivity of patients, we as operating surgeons, can ensure proper precautions while operating.