FREQUENCY OF HEPATITIS B AND C AMONGST THE GENERAL POPULATION OF RURAL AND URBAN AREAS OF LAHORE PAKISTAN

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatitis is a global health concern, and its ever-increasing prevalence in Pakistan has highlighted the need to study its epidemiology and develop preventative strategies.

Objective: To determine the frequency and identify the risk factors associated with hepatitis virus infections B and C among the population of Lahore city. 

Study Design: It was cross-sectional study.

Sampling Technique: Convenient Sampling

Study Setting: Microbiology Laboratory of Arif memorial hospital.

Study Duration: 6 months

Methodology: A total of 250 participants were recruited, with 125 from an urban hospital

(National Hospital, Lahore) and 125 from a rural setting (Arif Memorial Teaching Hospital,

Lahore). The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design, screening participants for HBV and HCV using the Advanced Quality™ Rapid Immunochromatographic Test Kits. Data on socio-demographic details, medical history, and risk factors were collected through structured information sheets. Further confirmation of positive HBV or HCV cases was conducted using fourth-generation ELISA. 

Results: Results revealed that the prevalence of HCV was higher in the rural cohort (17.6%) compared to the urban cohort (12.8%). Interestingly, no cases of HBV were detected in either population, suggesting a potential correlation with effective vaccination programs or low transmission rates. Risk factor analysis highlighted significant differences between urban and rural populations, particularly in relation to practices such as body piercing, tattooing, drug injection, and unsterilized medical procedures. These factors were more prevalent in rural areas, emphasizing the need for targeted public health interventions in rural communities. 

Conclusions: The findings suggest that while the urban population exhibited a higher prevalence of certain medical procedures as risk factors, rural populations had higher rates of risky behaviors such as sharing needles and razors. This underscores the importance of tailored public health campaigns to address the unique transmission risks in each setting. In conclusion, the study highlights the need for continuous public health efforts to mitigate the spread of hepatitis, particularly in rural areas where certain high-risk behaviors are more prevalent.