Frequency and Associated Risk Factors of Hepatitis B and C Infection in Tehsil Fort Abbas, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: More than 12 million people are suffering from hepatitis infection in Pakistan and most of them are unaware of that. Hepatitis transmission occurs from one person to another through body fluids and can be controlled by risk factor awareness in the general public. Objective: To study the frequency and associated risk factors of Hepatitis B and C infection in Tehsil Fort Abbas. Study type, settings & duration: A cross-sectional, descriptive study carried out at Tehsil head quarter hospital Fort Abbas, Punjab, Pakistan from December 2019 to May 2020. Methodology: The general population was screened during the study. Participants were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Results: Overall frequency of hepatitis B &C recorded was 5.75%, whereas frequency of Hepatitis B in the study area was 2.68% while for HCV it was 3.07%. Reuse of syringes, unsafe medical procedures and equipment usage, unsafe shaving, etc. are some important risk factors. The study showed the high-risk groups of population and high-risk factors seen in positive patients of hepatitis. Conclusion: History of surgery in females and shaving history in male was considered as the most associated risk factor during the study. By overcoming these risk factors and giving awareness to the general public, the frequency of hepatitis can be reduced.

Keywords

• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• hepatitis control program
• PCR
• quack
• risk factors