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Frequency of hepatitis "C" in Buner, NWFP
1Department of Medicine, District Headquarter Hospital, Daggar, Buner. bilalmt@brain.net.pk
Insights
Hepatitis C (HCV) affects 4.57% of patients in District Buner. This study highlights the prevalence of HCV and identifies risk factors, emphasizing the need for public health interventions.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant global health concern.
- Understanding the local epidemiology of HCV is crucial for effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among patients in District Buner.
- To identify potential risk factors associated with HCV transmission in the region.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive study was conducted on 16,400 outdoor patients at DHQ Hospital, Daggar, from 1998 to 2002.
- Patients with non-specific dyspeptic symptoms were screened for anti-HCV antibodies using third-generation ELISA, with PCR and ultrasound also performed.
- Risk factors including injections, surgeries, blood transfusions, dental procedures, tattooing, and shaving practices were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Out of 16,400 patients, 751 (4.57%) tested positive for anti-HCV antibodies.
- The prevalence was higher in males (54.46%) than females (45.53%), with a mean age of 37 years.
- Common risk factors included a history of injections (100%), shaving by community barbers (44.20%), and dental procedures (9.72%).
Conclusions:
- Hepatitis C is a prevalent health issue in District Buner, requiring targeted interventions.
- Assessing the magnitude and transmission dynamics of HCV is essential for developing effective prevention and control measures.
Objective:
To assess the frequency of hepatitis C in District Buner.
Design:
Descriptive study.
Place And Duration Of Study:
This study was conducted on outdoor patients in Medical OPD of District Headquarter (DHQ) Hospital, Daggar from January 1998 to December 2002.
Patients And Methods:
A total of 16,400 patients of age between (15-70 years), who attended the outpatients department of Medical Unit at DHQ, Daggar with non-specific symptoms of dyspepsia, heart burn, bloating, generalized body aches and pain in right hypochondrium were screened for anti-HCV anti-bodies by 3rd generation ELISA. PCR and abdominal ultrasound was also done. Standard treatment was also given. Risk factors were evaluated. Population of district was regionwise divided into sectors A-D and then into subsectors.
Results:
Out of 16,400 patients, 751 were found positive for anti-HCV antibodies (4.57%). The mean age of the patients was 37 years. The youngest was 15 years while the oldest was 65 years. The frequency of hepatitis C was higher among the male, 409/751 (54.46%) as compared to female, 342/751(45.53%). Hundred percent (751/751) had history of injections, 52/751 (6.92 %) had major surgery, 8/751 (1.06%) had blood transfusion, 73/751 (9.72%) had dental procedure, 3/751 (0.39%) had tattooing and 332/751 (44.20%) had shaving by community barbers. The highest prevalence of hepatitis C was found in sector A1(9.7%) and the lowest in sector D3(0.5%).
Conclusion:
Hepatitis C is a common health problem in District Buner, and needs proper attention to alleviate the suffering of the people. It is essential to assess the magnitude of the problem, which will help us in understanding the dynamic of its transmission for control and prevention.
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