ISSN 0303-5212
 

Original Research 


Seroprevalence and risk factors of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Mardan, NWFP: a hospital based study.

Muhammad Sheraz Akbar Khan, Muhammad Khalid, Najma Ayub,. Muhammad Javed.

Abstract
Objective: To asses the seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and risk factors among hospital patients in District Headquarter Hospital Mardan.
Material and Methods: We used ACON Laboratories, Inc. HCV One Step Test Device (USA) kit to test for the qualitative detection of antibodies to Hepatitis C Virus in serum. All patients were asked and completed an HCV questionnaire. The questionnaire asked, what factors or activities put people at risk for getting HCV and question about their own risk factors and general habits. In each case, details regarding socioeconomic status were recorded.
Result: The study population comprised of 700 patients, 523 (74.7%) males and 177 (25.3%) females with mean age 32.16  13.08 years. The overall seroprevalence was found to be 9%. The seroprevalence in males and females was 7.8% and 12.4% respectively. History of reused syringes, blood transfusion, dental procedure and surgical operation were significant risk factors for acquiring HCV infection. General weakness was the commonest symptom in HCV positive patients. Smoking and naswar (tobacco) were common in HCV positive male patients.
Conclusion: The overall seroprevalence was found to be 9% in Mardan. History of reused syringes, blood transfusion, dental procedures and surgical operations were significant risk factors for acquiring HCV infection. The prevention of HCV infection can be achieved by blood screening for HCV before donation, avoiding sharing needles or any injecting equipment and following safe sexual practices. (Rawal Med J 2004;29:57-60)

Key words: Hepatitis C, seroprevalence, risk factors


 
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How to Cite this Article
Pubmed Style

Muhammad Sheraz Akbar Khan, Muhammad Khalid, Najma Ayub,. Muhammad Javed. Seroprevalence and risk factors of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Mardan, NWFP: a hospital based study. . RMJ. 2004; 29(2): 57-60.


Web Style

Muhammad Sheraz Akbar Khan, Muhammad Khalid, Najma Ayub,. Muhammad Javed. Seroprevalence and risk factors of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Mardan, NWFP: a hospital based study. . https://www.rmj.org.pk/?mno=8913 [Access: December 05, 2023].


AMA (American Medical Association) Style

Muhammad Sheraz Akbar Khan, Muhammad Khalid, Najma Ayub,. Muhammad Javed. Seroprevalence and risk factors of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Mardan, NWFP: a hospital based study. . RMJ. 2004; 29(2): 57-60.



Vancouver/ICMJE Style

Muhammad Sheraz Akbar Khan, Muhammad Khalid, Najma Ayub,. Muhammad Javed. Seroprevalence and risk factors of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Mardan, NWFP: a hospital based study. . RMJ. (2004), [cited December 05, 2023]; 29(2): 57-60.



Harvard Style

Muhammad Sheraz Akbar Khan, Muhammad Khalid, Najma Ayub,. Muhammad Javed (2004) Seroprevalence and risk factors of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Mardan, NWFP: a hospital based study. . RMJ, 29 (2), 57-60.



Turabian Style

Muhammad Sheraz Akbar Khan, Muhammad Khalid, Najma Ayub,. Muhammad Javed. 2004. Seroprevalence and risk factors of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Mardan, NWFP: a hospital based study. . Rawal Medical Journal, 29 (2), 57-60.



Chicago Style

Muhammad Sheraz Akbar Khan, Muhammad Khalid, Najma Ayub,. Muhammad Javed. "Seroprevalence and risk factors of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Mardan, NWFP: a hospital based study. ." Rawal Medical Journal 29 (2004), 57-60.



MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style

Muhammad Sheraz Akbar Khan, Muhammad Khalid, Najma Ayub,. Muhammad Javed. "Seroprevalence and risk factors of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Mardan, NWFP: a hospital based study. ." Rawal Medical Journal 29.2 (2004), 57-60. Print.



APA (American Psychological Association) Style

Muhammad Sheraz Akbar Khan, Muhammad Khalid, Najma Ayub,. Muhammad Javed (2004) Seroprevalence and risk factors of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Mardan, NWFP: a hospital based study. . Rawal Medical Journal, 29 (2), 57-60.