Abstract
Background: Understanding and controlling the endemic HCV burden in Pakistan necessitate investigation of various social and structural determinants of transmission. Despite the poor prognosis (rapid steatosis) in patients infected with Genotype 3, lack of the relevant demographic and occupational information prevents efficient control measures in highly endemic settings.
Methods: Forty-two patients with genotype 3 of HCV at GIMS Hospital, Gambat, were assessed for socio-demographic profile, housing situation, lifestyle patterns and occupational classification into 18 various sectors of life and processed with SPSS version 26.
Results: This epidemic shows highest concentration in males of active age group of 30-40 years (52.4%). Majority of population belonged to the dense, joint-family type of households (66.7%), while major occupational concentration of the population under study showed association with agricultural sector (21.4%) and paramedics (19.0%), indicating clear possibility of hospital exposure and community transmission. A marked association with tobacco addiction (28.6%) was seen, while alcohol consumption was found very low (4.8%).
Conclusion: A joint action at family and occupational level is to be addressed and policy makers must be vigilant to prevent HCV Genotype 3 transmission by: enforcing obligatory screening in paramedics of hospitals, in members of a joint family at one and in case of a positive spouse.