Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C Infection in Tehsil Fort Abbas, Pakistan

The prevalence of hepatitis B in the world differs from low (< 2%) to high (> 8%) in different areas. According to the CDC, more than 320 million people suffer from hepatitis. Viral Hepatitis causes more than one million deaths annually. It is a fatal disease alarming for Pakistan as well. Twelve million people suffer from hepatitis B and C, consisting of approximately 5% of the population in 2019.

This study aimed to study the prevalence of HBV and HCV, and the trends of treatment in positive cases.

This is a cross-sectional, descriptive study carried out at THQ Fort Abbas of Punjab, Pakistan, for six months. Camps were arranged, and samples were drawn from general population by pricking them on the finger, and hepatitis B and C screening were performed via Immunochromatographic test (ICT) rapid device method. Those found positive on ICT devices were interviewed.

Out of 3,058 people screened, 176 had a hepatitis infection. Overall prevalence was recorded at 5.75%, while the prevalence of HBV and HCV was recorded 2.68% and 3.07%, respectively. The prevalence was higher in male patients. Trends of treatment seemed opposite to expectation as almost 30% of the patient went to some other ways of treatment instead of coming to a doctor.

Prevalence recorded was lower than the last available data of Bahawalnagar fist but still more than Pakistan. Males were found more infected with hepatitis because of their social circle.