PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS C INFECTION; GENERAL PATIENTS ATTENDING VARIOUS HOSPITALS OF LAHORE, PAKISTAN: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the current study was to estimate the seroprevalence and risk factors investigation associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in general patients attending various public and private hospitals of Lahore metropolitan. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Out Patient Departments (OPDs) of public hospitals, comprising of Mayo Hospital, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Services Hospital, Jinnah Hospital and Lahore General Hospital of Lahore. Period: 2012. Material and Methods: A total of 904 patients from outpatient departments of five public and two private hospitals were enrolled during 2012. Blood samples were collected to evaluate their anti-HCV status using 3rd generation ELISA. To find out the risk factors associated with HCV infection, the data was collected on a pretested and validated questionnaire. Results: The seroprevalence was estimated to be 14.6%. Mean age of reactive and non-reactive general patients was significantly associated (P=0.012) with anti- HCV status. Marital status (OR=2.042), socioeconomic status, blood donation (OR=2.15), prescription by doctor or non-doctor (OR=2.664), route of drug administration, relatives having hepatitis and towel sharing (OR=1.987) were significantly associated (P<0.05) risk factors for HCV infection. Conclusion: The study reveals a higher prevalence of HCV infection in general patients of Lahore due to poor socioeconomic status, treatment by quacks, excessive use of injectable drugs, house hold contacts with hepatitis patients and lack of awareness about the HCV transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Professional Medical Journal is the property of Professional Medical Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)