Hepatitis C Virus Seroprevalence and Associated Demographic Factors in Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar, Eastern Libya: A Cross-Sectional Laboratory Study

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global public health challenge, causing chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Libya lacks comprehensive, localized epidemiological data, making identification of demographic risk factors critical for preventive strategies. To determine HCV seroprevalence and evaluate associations with age and gender among individuals attending a laboratory in Al Bayda, Libya. This cross-sectional laboratory-based study included 195 participants undergoing routine blood testing at a tertiary healthcare facility in Al Bayda, Libya, between 2023 and 2025. HCV serostatus was determined using a WHO-approved rapid immunochromatographic test. Demographic data (age and gender) were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests, and Welch’s t-test in R software (p < 0.05). HCV seroprevalence was 6.7% (n = 13). Among positive cases, 61.5% were male and 38.5% female. The mean age of HCV-positive individuals was 42.1 years versus 35.4 years for HCV-negative participants; the difference was not statistically significant (t = -1.3674, p = 0.194). HCV prevalence in Al Bayda is moderate. Males accounted for higher proportions of positive cases. Although age differences were not statistically significant, positive cases were older on average. These findings highlight the need for targeted screening and early intervention strategies.