الفهرس 
IntroductionOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global health problem. Cirrhosis and end stage liver disease are considered main complications among adults and children. Epidemiologically, Egypt has higher level of anti HCV antibodies than other countries. The current study aimed to screen (HCV) infection among school children. Research design: A cross-sectional research design was used to achieve the aim of this study. Sample: Two randomly selected schools at Minia City (one urban and one rural) were included in the study, 750 school children were included out of 862 with response rate 87%. Tools: A structured interviewing questionnaire that includes part one: demographic data related to studied group, part two: included risk factors associated with HCV infection such as history of having any injectable medications from informal health care provider, history of blood transfusion, history of surgical operation... etc. while part three: results of rapid HCV antibody test. Results: The mean age of the study sample was 15.18 ± 1.959 years. The most prevalent risk factors among studied school children were ear piercing, taking injectable medications from informal care provider, circumcision, scarification, history of dental procedure, surgical operation, needle stick injury and HCV infection in relatives (not mother) (99.3, 94.9, 88.8, 88.5, 62.5, 46.7, 34, 23.6%) respectively. Regarding results of advanced quality rapid HCV antibody test, only 0.7% of school children were positive anti HCV. Regarding relation between risk factors and percentage of anti HCV among school children, taking any injectable medications, blood transfusion, sharing shaving instruments and tooth brush are statistically significant. Conclusion: The study was concluded that the percentage of school children (aged 12-18 years) who are probably infected with HCV was 0.7% (5 out of 750) in Minia city. Recommendations: Future studies should focus on the screening of HCV and methods of prevention among children at Minia governorate to make early detection and provide proper treatment.