Is the anti-HCV prevalence of immigrants consistent with the anti-HCV prevalence of the country of origin? Türkiye, Bursa Example

Background Migrant populations are more vulnerable to infectious diseases due to barriers in accessing healthcare services and unfavorable living conditions. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) poses a significant public health concern among migrant communities, as it remains asymptomatic for many years, necessitating early diagnosis. The World Health Organization (WHO) aims to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030. However, there are substantial gaps in HCV screening and healthcare accessibility for migrants. This study aims to determine the seroprevalence of anti-HCV among regular migrants living in Bursa and to assess its consistency with prevalence rates in their countries of origin. Methods This study is a cross-sectional research conducted among regular migrants who presented to public hospitals, family health centers, and migrant health centers in Bursa between 2018 and 2022. A total of 11,558 individuals’ anti-HCV test results were analyzed. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS v25, along with the chi-square test, the Kruskal-Wallis test, and Cramér’s V coefficient. Results Of the 11,558 migrants included in the study, 74% were women, with a median participant age of 25 years. The overall anti-HCV seroprevalence was determined to be 1.3%. The highest seroprevalence rates by country of origin were observed among migrants from Uzbekistan (5.8%), Turkmenistan (5.6%), and Kazakhstan (3.4%), respectively. Age group analysis revealed that the anti-HCV positivity rate was significantly higher among migrants aged 50 years and older (p<0.001). In terms of gender, no significant difference was found between men and women. The anti-HCV seroprevalence largely aligns with the endemicity levels of the migrants' countries of origin. Conclusion The hepatitis C seroprevalence among migrants living in Bursa is generally consistent with the endemicity levels of their countries of origin. Targeted screening of high-risk groups, improving migrants' access to healthcare services, and developing early diagnosis strategies are essential.