Risk Factors and Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C in Badin City, Pakistan

Abstract

Hepatitis is a global health concern, and its ever increasing prevalence in Pakistan has highlighted the need to study its epidemiology and develop preventative strategies. Objective: To determine the frequency and identify the risk factors associated with hepatitis virus infections B and C among the population of Badin city. Methods: Seven hundred sixty-seven people were tested for Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) using immunochromatographic methods. Additional testing was performed on blood samples from individuals who tested positive for hepatitis, and quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to determine the viral load. Results: A total of 767 individuals had hepatitis. Among these, the research found that HCV was more common than HBV. However, men were more affected than women. Data on the exposure to risk factors for hepatitis B and C among the patients in our study are presented in Table 2 Of the 767 respondents, 473 (61.7%) were shaved from a barber/beauty parlour. Approximately 358 (46.7%) patients with hepatitis reused syringes. Drug addiction was observed in 66 (8.6%) patients. A history of blood transfusion was observed in 73 patients (9.5 %). Obstetrical procedures, ear pricks, and nose piercings were reported in 195 (68.1%), 245 (85.7%) and 240 (83.9%) female patients with hepatitis, respectively. Conclusions: Barbers, blood transfusions, and intravenous drug use are the most common risk factors for the spread of HBV and HCV are barbers, blood transfusions, and Intravenous Drug Use (IDUs), although newer variables, including piercings of the nose and ears and IDPs, also contribute