Prevalence Rate of Hepatitis C Among the Solid Waste Handler in Wardha City

Introduction: Solid waste workers are exposed to an extended variety of occupational hazards. Among these hazards is the infection from hepatitis A, B, or C viruses (HAV, HBV, or HCV). This relationship has been the study subject of many researchers around the world, given that the infection of hepatitis viruses is a significant cause of morbidity and a socio-economic burden. Solid waste handlers are usually at significant risk for multiple injuries and illnesses, including HIV and hepatitis, due to waste exposure to contaminated needles or sharp items that may contribute to the spread of the disease. A research in Brazil revealed that 12.8% of HBV exposure is prevalent in municipal solid waste handlers. Objectives: To assess the prevalence rate of hepatitis C among the solid waste handler in selected areas and associate the findings with selected demographic variables. Material and methods: This study was used as a cross-sectional research design. Hundred solid waste handlers participated in the study. The prevalence of hepatitis C was checked by the blood sampling and use method: HCV Ab Rapid Test. Data were analyzed using the IBM Corp. Released 2016. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 24.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp. Qualitative variables were described as numbers and percentages. Chi-square exact test was used for comparison between groups, as a quantitative variable was described as mean (± SD) and median. Results: 10 (10%) of the waste handlers were reactive to hepatitis C virus, and 90 (90%) of the waste handlers were non-reactive to hepatitis C virus. The mean was 1.92 ± 0.27 for the prevalence of hepatitis C among solid waste handlers. Conclusion: A high prevalence of hepatitis C is revealed, particularly in people who have more working experience, exposure, and who do not use personal protective equipment while working around hepatitis C infected people. It is recommended that all the solid waste handlers use proper personal protective equipment, go for routine health check-ups, and should be trained on handling waste to reduce morbidity.