Risk Factors Contributing to Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Kashmir: A Meta-Analysis

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a growing public health concern in Kashmir. This meta-analysis identifies and quantifies key risk factors associated with HCV in the region to guide public health interventions. A systematic review of six studies conducted in Jammu and Kashmir analyzed data from various population groups. The overall HCV prevalence in a general population survey was 38.37%, with injection drug use and dental procedures identified as major risk factors. Among hospitalized jaundiced children, 2% tested HCV-positive, both linked to chronic liver disease. A large retrospective study on blood donors (n = 97,427) found a low HCV prevalence (0.20%), with no cases among repeat voluntary donors, reinforcing the safety of voluntary blood donation. High-risk groups, including intravenous drug users (42.16%) and people who inject drugs (PWIDs) (10%), exhibited significantly higher HCV prevalence. Most PWIDs were young (69% aged 16-25 years) and from urban areas (73.5%). Financial constraints hindered treatment access for 17% of infected individuals. A molecular epidemiology study in Jammu reported 8.33% HCV prevalence, with genotype 3 being the most common strain. This meta-analysis highlights unsafe medical practices, intravenous drug use, and unregulated body modifications as major contributors to HCV transmission in Kashmir. Urgent interventions, including harm reduction programs, improved healthcare practices, and public awareness campaigns, are necessary to curb HCV spread in the region. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure and ensuring accessible treatment can significantly reduce HCV-related morbidity and mortality in Kashmir.