Prevalence and risk factors associated with Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C infection in Mirpurkhas, Sindh, Pakistan

Objective: To measure the prevalence and risk factors associated with Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Infection in Mirpurkhas, Sindh, Pakistan. Methodology: Camps were organized in Mirpurkhas city to screen the HBV and HCV in general population using immune chromatography (ICT) method which was confirmed by ELISA and PCR method. Questionnaire comprised of information about such as age, gender, marital status, religion, injury, nosocomial exposure were administrated in participants. Data were computed using SPSS version 21. Results: Total 311 participants were included in this study. The prevalence of HBV infection was 6.75% and that of HCV 14.46%. The risk factors significantly associated with HBV and HCV infections were hospital associated infections such as hospitalization, blood transfusion, surgery, reused syringe, tattooing and needle injury. Conclusion: The HBV and HCV prevalence in Mirpurkhas is on rise, so there is dire need of speed up HBV vaccination program and launching public health awareness programs with special focus on infectious diseases.