Hepatitis: Prevalence, Risk Factors and Associated Co-morbidities in Local Population of Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

Hepatitis is inflammatory condition of liver due to a viral infection which may results in acute and chronic form. Types A, B, and C are most prevalent hepatitis viruses. Frequent mode of transmission of these infections include oral, fecal and parenteral route. Hepatitis B, C and D are mainly transmitted through infected blood. Pakistan is endemic area for viral hepatitis B and C and their prevalence was estimated with 7.4 % infection rate in 2009. This population focused study with objective of monitoring of health status of local residents was carried out from February to July 2014 in Karachi, Pakistan. Data was collected (N=200) from patients and physicians using structured Questionnaire and by also reviewing medical records of subjects from various hospitals and clinics and interpreted to evaluate the risk factors, prevalence and associated comorbidities of hepatitis in local population. Rate of infection with Hepatitis C was found high (58%), followed by Hepatitis B (24%). Few cases of Hepatitis D coexisted with hepatitis B were also observed. Frequency of Hepatitis A was observed 10%. Different modes of viral transmission were also studied. Results were calculated with SPSS 20.0, using chi square and independent t-tests. It was also concluded that Hepatitis B and C infections are vital factors for causing drastic morbidity and mortality. Hence Initiation of awareness programs along with effective preventive measure is important to reduce the high prevalence of hepatitis in society.