Effectiveness of Hepatitis C Virus Screening Programs in Identifying New Cases and Preventing Further Transmission: A Health System Evaluation Study in Arar City, Northern Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) remains a significant public health concern, requiring screening initiatives for early detection and prevention of further transmission, despite the availability of effective antiviral treatments. This study assessed the effectiveness and impact of current HCV screening programs in identifying new infections in Arar City, Northern Saudi Arabia. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, utilizing routine HCV screening data obtained from Arar Hospital and the Central Blood Bank. The dataset included serological screening results and demographic characteristics of the individuals screened, analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings indicate that hospital-based screening methods successfully detected HCV cases, particularly among individuals who engage with routine healthcare services. Screening activities were primarily limited to healthcare facilities, marked by insufficient community outreach, ineffective targeting of high-risk populations, and shortcomings in the continuity of treatment following positive screening results. These limitations may reduce the overall effectiveness of screening programs. In conclusion, while current HCV screening initiatives in Arar City promote early case detection, it is essential to expand community-based screening, implement systematic risk-based strategies, and reinforce linkage-to-care pathways to improve program effectiveness and further national and global HCV eradication goals.