Abstract: Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of hepatitis C in Hefei area in recent years for scientific basis in local prevention and treatment of hepatitis C. Methods The case data of hepatitis C patients with current address in Hefei from 2015 to 2024 were obtained from the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of hepatitis C patients in Hefei area. The Joinpoint regression model was used to analyze the trend of incidence, and the annual percent change (APC) and the average annual percent change (AAPC) were calculated. Results From 2015 to 2024, a total of 5 868 hepatitis C cases were reported in Hefei, with an average annual reported incidence rate of 6.84/100 000. The overall incidence rate showed a downward trend, and the AAPC was -7.47% (95%CI:-9.87% - -5.01%) (t=-5.80, P<0.001). During that period, the APC was 5.41% (95%CI: 1.14% - 9.87%) (t=5.48, P<0.05) from 2015 to 2019, and -26.51% from 2022 to 2024 (95%CI:-37.36% - -13.77%) (t=-8.29, P<0.05). From 2015 to 2024, the majority of hepatitis C cases in Hefei were confirmed cases (n=3 328; 56.71%). Of the reported cases, 3 095 were males, and 2 773 females,  with a sex ratio of 1.12∶1. The cases were mainly reported in the age group of 50 years and above (n=3 534; 60.22%). The occupation was primarily involved in farmers (n=1 918; 32.69%) and housework and unemployed (n=1 705; 29.06%). Hepatitis C cases were reported throughout the year in Hefei area, with the highest number of cases reported in March (n=578; 9.85%). The top three counties with the highest incidence rates were Luyang (9.59/100 000), Feixi (9.02/100 000) and Yaohai (8.58/100 000). A total of 380 hepatitis C cases were detected for genotypes, which was dominated by genotype 1b (n=279; 73.42%). Conclusion The overall reported incidence of hepatitis C in Hefei area showed a downward trend, and the highest incidence was seen in Luyang district. Men, middle-aged and elderly people and farmers were high-risk groups. By these findings, it is necessary to strengthen the surveillance and health education in key areas and populations in following tasks.

Key words: Hepatitis C, Epidemiological characteristic, Time trend, Hefei City