Scholars International Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine (SIJTCM)
Volume-4 | Issue-01 | 11-14
Original Research Article
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hepatitis B infection in Pishin District, Pakistan
Sana Ullah, Fauzia Asmat, Mahrukh Naseem, AsmatUllah Kakar, ZafarUllah, Jahangheer Khan
Published : Jan. 30, 2021
Abstract
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is life-threatening in developing countries associated with high morbidity and mortality rate. The current study designed to figure out the prevalence, socio-demographic variable and associated risk factors of HBV in the local population of Pishin District, Pakistan. Under the well-sterilized condition, blood samples of 1457 individuals were collected weekly from Civil Hospital Pishin, during May 2019 to February 2020 for the screening of HBV infection. Patients were categorized into 2 age groups i. e. 1-30 years, 31-60 years. The HBsAg was detected by a commercially available ELISA kit. The overall prevalence of HBV was 38.36%. The incidence was higher in female (22.30%) than in male patients (16.06%). The socio-demographic finding showed that the prevalence was higher in patients with age group 31-60 years (20.93%), in married (30.19%), unvaccinated (19,56%) individuals and with poor economic status (20.93%). Furthermore, blood transfusion (23.03%), surgery (19.86%) and dental procedures (12.70%) were the major risk factors associated with the high prevalence of HBV infection in Pishin. In conclusion, the Pishin District was highly prevalent with HBV infection. This study may serve as a guideline for the local health care providers to optimize the health facilities. By conducting the public health awareness program, it is possible to reduce the prevalence of HBV by minimizing the associated risk factors.