Risk Factors for HCV Infection in Pakistan

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate possible routes of transmission for HCV infection in Pakistan. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted based on file review of patients being treated for hepatitis C at The Liver Research Clinic at Holy Family Hospital Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Informed consent was obtained from all patients included in the study. Convenient sampling was utilized and a total of 750 patients were included in the study. Demographic data was recorded and patients were asked about several risk factors for hepatitis C by the post-graduate trainees at The Holy Family Hospital in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Patients were asked in particular about history of unsafe injection practices, use of unclean razors and history of blood transfusion. Data was entered and descriptive analysis was performed using SPSS version 13. Results: A total of 750 patients were included in the study. The mean age of patients was 35.7 years (15-63). There were 368 (48.7%) male and 382 (50.5%) female patients. 655 (87.3%) patients were married. The following risk factors were identified after detailed interview from the patients: 80 (10.6%) patients had a history of unsafe injection practices either due to needle sharing or acquired from a medical facility, 48 (6.3%) admitted to the use of reuse of razors from barbers, 43 (5.7%) had a history of unhygienic dental treatment. 30 (4.0%) patients had been transfused with blood/ blood products for a surgical procedure in the hospital. A large majority of patients 452 (59.8%) had multiple risk factors for hepatitis C. 194 (25.7%) patients had a first-degree relative with hepatitis C. No risk factor could be identified in 97 (12.9%) patients. 81 (10.7%) patients were co-infected with hepatitis B. Conclusion: Unsafe injection practices are still the most common risk factor for transmission of hepatitis C followed by reuse/sharing of shaving razors. Majority of patients had multiple routes of transmission of HCV.