Frequency of hepatitis "C" in Buner, NWFP.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the frequency of hepatitis C in District Buner.

DESIGN

Descriptive study.

PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY

This study was conducted on outdoor patients in Medical OPD of District Headquarter (DHQ) Hospital, Daggar from January 1998 to December 2002.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 16,400 patients of age between (15-70 years), who attended the outpatients department of Medical Unit at DHQ, Daggar with non-specific symptoms of dyspepsia, heart burn, bloating, generalized body aches and pain in right hypochondrium were screened for anti-HCV anti-bodies by 3rd generation ELISA. PCR and abdominal ultrasound was also done. Standard treatment was also given. Risk factors were evaluated. Population of district was regionwise divided into sectors A-D and then into subsectors.

RESULTS

Out of 16,400 patients, 751 were found positive for anti-HCV antibodies (4.57%). The mean age of the patients was 37 years. The youngest was 15 years while the oldest was 65 years. The frequency of hepatitis C was higher among the male, 409/751 (54.46%) as compared to female, 342/751(45.53%). Hundred percent (751/751) had history of injections, 52/751 (6.92 %) had major surgery, 8/751 (1.06%) had blood transfusion, 73/751 (9.72%) had dental procedure, 3/751 (0.39%) had tattooing and 332/751 (44.20%) had shaving by community barbers. The highest prevalence of hepatitis C was found in sector A1(9.7%) and the lowest in sector D3(0.5%).

CONCLUSION

Hepatitis C is a common health problem in District Buner, and needs proper attention to alleviate the suffering of the people. It is essential to assess the magnitude of the problem, which will help us in understanding the dynamic of its transmission for control and prevention.