PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS C INFECTION

GENERAL PATIENTS ATTENDING VARIOUS HOSPITALS OF LAHORE, PAKISTAN: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the current study was to estimate the seroprevalence and
risk factors investigation associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in general patients
attending various public and private hospitals of Lahore metropolitan. Study Design: Cross
sectional study. Setting: Out Patient Departments (OPDs) of public hospitals, comprising of
Mayo Hospital, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Services Hospital, Jinnah Hospital and Lahore General
Hospital of Lahore. Period: 2012. Material and Methods: A total of 904 patients from outpatient
departments of five public and two private hospitals were enrolled during 2012. Blood
samples were collected to evaluate their anti-HCV status using 3rd generation ELISA. To find
out the risk factors associated with HCV infection, the data was collected on a pretested and
validated questionnaire. Results: The seroprevalence was estimated to be 14.6%. Mean age
of reactive and non-reactive general patients was significantly associated (P=0.012) with anti-
HCV status. Marital status (OR=2.042), socioeconomic status, blood donation (OR=2.15),
prescription by doctor or non-doctor (OR=2.664), route of drug administration, relatives having
hepatitis and towel sharing (OR=1.987) were significantly associated (P<0.05) risk factors for
HCV infection. Conclusion: The study reveals a higher prevalence of HCV infection in general
patients of Lahore due to poor socioeconomic status, treatment by quacks, excessive use of
injectable drugs, house hold contacts with hepatitis patients and lack of awareness about the
HCV transmission.