Population-Based Demographic Epidemiology of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in a Tertiary Care Hospital and medical college of Southern Rajasthan: A Five-Year Retrospective Analysis

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Understanding demographic distribution is essential for targeted screening and prevention strategies, especially in resource-limited settings. Objectives: To analyse the demographic characteristics and temporal trends of HCV-reactive patients attending a tertiary care hospital in Southern Rajasthan. Materials and Methods: A retrospective, record-based study was conducted from January 2021 to December 2025. Anti-HCV antibody testing was performed using third-generation ELISA. Demographic variables including age, sex, residence, patient type, and clinical department were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: Of 158,104 samples tested, 79 were reactive for HCV, giving an overall seroprevalence of 0.05%. Male patients constituted 60.8% of cases. Individuals above 50 years accounted for 65.8% of infections. Rural residents (65.8%) and inpatients (77.2%) formed the majority. General Medicine was the most common department of detection. Positivity rates remained below 0.1% throughout the study period. Conclusion: HCV infection in the present setting predominantly affects elderly males from rural areas. Demographic profiling can guide focused screening and public health interventions.