HEPATITIS B VIRUS INFECTION AND ITS ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS;

ASSESSMENT IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Objective: The present study was carried out to screen for prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection and its associated
risk factors in patients presenting for various complaints at a tertiary care hospital. Study design: Cross-sectional descriptive study. Place &
Duration: Nawaz Sharif social security Hospital, Multan Road Lahore from January 2008 through December, 2009. Materials & Methods: A
total of 15403 patients, aged 14 to 60 years, belonging to low socio-economic group were screened for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg)
during the study period. Relevant information was obtained through a pre-designed questionnaire prepared in accordance with the objectives
of the study. Patient’s serum was tested qualitatively for HbsAg by rapid immunochromatographic technique (ICT devices, Accurate, USA)
according to the manufacturer’s instructions.All sera showing reactivity were then confirmed with Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay
(ELISA). Results: HbsAg positivity was found in 488 (3.16%) patients of the screened population. Associated risk factors were: therapeutic
injections (25.0%), shaving from community barbers (15.98%), blood or blood product transfusions (10.04%), HbsAg positive sexual partners
(7.99%), dental treatment (6.96%), past surgical history (4.91%), occupational exposure (3.07%), pricking nose/ears (3.07%), H/o
hemodialysis (2.04%) and medical endoscopy (1.02%). 5.94% cases revealed no risk factor whereas 13.93% cases had multiple risk factors.
Conclusions: A high prevalence of known etiological risk factors for HBV infection in the HBV positive patients documented in our study
should not go without serious concern. Public awareness programs should be launched through mass media to discourage the malpractices
related to risk factors.