Blood Transfusion Is Associated with Hepatitis C in the Older Drinking Population: Analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2013 to 2018

BACKGROUND: Although blood transfusion and hepatitis C might be related, the exact association has not been reported. This study aimed to investigate whether blood transfusion increases the prevalence of hepatitis C infection among the older drinking population. METHODS: This study included an older population with drinking habits participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2013 to 2018. We used weighted multivariable logistic regression models to examine the association between hepatitis C and blood transfusion. A nomogram was employed to evaluate the prevalence of hepatitis C in older drinking people. Propensity matching (PSM) was conducted to balance the confounding factors. Logic models following the PSM were used to validate the association between blood transfusion and hepatitis C. RESULTS: Among the 2972 individuals surveyed, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection was reported in 6.43% (37/575) of the transfused group and 2.33% (56/2397) of the non-transfused group. The prevalence of HCV infection was significantly higher in the transfused group than in the non-transfused group. Blood transfusion history was associated with hepatitis C (odds ratio 11.430, 95% confidence interval 5.321–24.554) in the weighted multivariable logistic analysis. The association was particularly pronounced in people aged 60–69 years (odds ratio 14.907, 95% confidence interval 6.459–34.405). The nomogram suggested blood transfusion and age as the two major risk factors for HCV infection. Moreover, the results after PSM still showed that blood transfusions increase the risk of HCV infection. CONCLUSION: Blood transfusion increases the risk of HCV infection in older drinking patients, with a higher risk, particularly in those aged 60–69 years.