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Hepatitis C: frequency and risk factors associated with sero-positivity among adults in Larkana City

Fida Hussain Shaikh1, Hakim Ali Abro, Mumtaz Ali Chhutto

  • 1Medical Unit-III, Department of Medicine, Chandka Medical College/Teaching Hospital, Larkana, Pakistan. fhshaikh2003@yahoo.com

Journal of Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad : JAMC
|June 8, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission in Larkana is linked to therapeutic injections and public barber services. This study identified these as key risk factors for Anti-HCV seropositivity in the region.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Viral hepatitis, particularly Hepatitis C virus (HCV), poses a significant global health challenge.
  • Approximately 170 million individuals are infected with HCV, with up to 70% developing chronic liver disease.
  • Understanding HCV transmission dynamics is crucial for effective public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the frequency of Anti-HCV seropositivity in Larkana.
  • To identify the primary risk factors associated with Hepatitis C Virus transmission in the local population.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted in Larkana from April 2006 to April 2007.
  • Data was collected via questionnaires administered in general practitioners' clinics.
  • Descriptive statistics were analyzed using SPSS-10.

Main Results:

  • Out of 450 participants, 30 (6.6%) tested positive for Anti-HCV.
  • The majority of participants were male (78.4%) and within the 20-40 age group (58.2%).
  • Key identified risk factors included a history of therapeutic injections (72 cases) and use of public barber services (35 cases).

Conclusions:

  • Therapeutic injections represent a significant route for HCV transmission.
  • The use of public barber services for shaving is another notable risk factor for HCV infection.
  • These findings highlight the need for targeted prevention strategies in Larkana.
Abstract

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