What is the Current Situation of HBV, HCV and HIV Seroprevalence Among Syrian Refugees? Patients Evaluated Preoperatively Over Ten Years

Abstract

Objectives: Migration can change the demographic dynamics of host populations in terms of communicable diseases in destination countries. This is a potential public health challenge for the health authorities. Hepatitis B virüs (HBV) and hepatitis C virüs (HCV) infections can lead to the development of chronic liver diseases, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, whereas human Categorical variables were presented as frequencies (percentages) and compared with chi-square test. Non-normally distributed continuous variables were presented as median with interquartile range (25 th and 75 th percentiles) and compared with the Mann-Whitney U test between the groups. The study is comprised of 54,446 patients, divided into two groups: Turkish patient group (n=20569) and Syrian refugee patient group (n=33877). The of the patients was 41 (28-59) years and 44.8% (n=24396) The epidemiological characteristics and preoperative seroprevalance of HBV, serological markers in the are in 1. Conclusion: Although HBV seroprevalence gradually decreases and HCV and HIV seroprevalence is low; screening, information and treatment programs should be given due importance because of the serious disease potential and preventable conditions with precautions. Additionally, preoperative screening of refugee patients coming for major surgery may be important for the safety of healthcare professionals.