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Prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B and C in Bahawalpur: a hospital-based study
K Raziq1, S Q A Shah1, M Tariq1,2
1Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Department of Zoology, Bahawalpur, Pakistan.
Insights
This study investigated hepatitis B and C prevalence in Bahawalpur, Pakistan. High HCV rates were found, linked to illiteracy, age, hospitalization, and dental procedures, highlighting a need for public health interventions.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Viral hepatitis poses a significant global health threat, contributing to liver cirrhosis and cancer.
- The World Health Organization aims for viral hepatitis elimination by 2030.
- Understanding local prevalence and risk factors is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in Bahawalpur, Pakistan.
- To identify key risk factors associated with HBV and HCV infection in the study population.
- To provide data for developing effective control strategies.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study conducted from December 2021 to May 2022.
- Blood samples collected from 263 patients at Bahawalpur Victoria Hospital.
- Rapid diagnostic tests (ICT) and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) used for serological diagnosis of HBV and HCV.
Main Results:
- Prevalence rates: 5.3% for HBV, 25.4% for HCV, and 0.76% for co-infection.
- Significant associations found between infection and illiteracy (P=0.001), age group 31-40 years (P=0.027), history of hospitalization (P=0.008), and dental treatment (P=0.057).
- Lack of awareness regarding disease transmission and inadequate medical care were identified as contributing factors.
Conclusions:
- HCV infection is highly prevalent in the Bahawalpur general population.
- Illiteracy, age, hospitalization, and dental procedures are significant risk factors.
- Findings underscore the need for public health policies and awareness campaigns to curb hepatitis transmission in Pakistan.
Abstract:
Hepatitis causes inflammation of the liver. The World Health Organization set a goal to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030 due to an increase in the number of deaths from liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B and C among the general population of Bahawalpur, along with various recognized risk factors. Samples were collected from December 2021 to May 2022. In total, 263 blood samples were collected from the patients who visited Bahawalpur Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur Pakistan. A rapid diagnostic test (ICT) was used to diagnose Hepatitis B surface antigen and anti-HCV, followed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 22. In total, 263 samples were tested; 5.3% (14/263) tested positive for HBV, 25.4% (67/263) tested positive for HCV, and 0.76% (2/263) were co-infected. The study found a significant association between illiteracy 24% (63/263) and literacy 7.6% (20/263) (P = 0.001), age (31-40 years) 11% (29/263) (P = 0.027), hospitalization 38% (100/263) versus non-hospitalization 62% (163/263) (P = 0.008), and patients who had received any dental treatment 20.9% (55/263) versus those who had not 79.1% (208/263) (P = 0.057). According to the study, people who frequently visited hospitals received no medical care and were unaware of the causes of disease transmission, made them more susceptible to infection. The study will help formulate policies and adopt precautionary measures to control the increasing incidence of hepatitis B and C in Pakistan.
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