To evaluate the prevalence of HBV and HCV infections in earthquake survivors residing in a container city in Diyarbakır using rapid point-of-care tests.
Key Findings:
The study included 251 containers representing a population of 1213 individuals.
Rapid point-of-care tests demonstrated high sensitivity (100%) and specificity (99.89% for HBsAg and 100% for anti-HCV). These results indicate a critical need for public health interventions to address HBV and HCV risks in this vulnerable population.
Interpretation:
The findings suggest a need for ongoing screening and public health interventions in earthquake-affected populations to manage HBV and HCV risks.
Limitations:
The study was limited to a specific geographic area and may not represent the broader population. Self-selection bias may have influenced the sample, as only volunteers participated, potentially skewing the prevalence rates.
Conclusion:
Rapid point-of-care testing is an effective method for assessing HBV and HCV prevalence in disaster-affected populations, highlighting the importance of timely health interventions to mitigate risks.
