PREVALENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS OF HEPATITIS C AMONG RESIDENTS OF THREE UNION COUNCILS IN MANSEHRA
Abstract
Background: Pakistan is home to approximately 10 million HCV infected people. HCVprevalence is expected to be higher in the earthquake affected area of Tehsil Oghi. The aim of thisstudy was to estimate HCV prevalence in three Union Councils of Tehsil Oghi, i.e., Oghi,Shamdhara and Kathai, and to assess HCV knowledge and awareness in the population. Methods:This is an observational study carried out during June 2010. Blood samples of 648 participantswere analysed for the presence of anti HCV antibodies using Immuno-chromatographic methodand a knowledge and awareness questionnaire was administered to the participants. Results: 394(61%) participants were females, while 254 (39%) were males. The overall prevalence of HCV inthe study area was recorded as 67 (10.3%). Prevalence among male participants was 30 (11.8%),whereas, that among female participants was 37 (9.4%). Prevalence estimates in Oghi, Shamdharaand Kathai were 10.3%, 11% and 9% respectively. Knowledge and awareness regarding HCVwas inadequate among the study population. Conclusions: HCV prevalence in the study area ishigher than the overall prevalence in Pakistan. HCV related knowledge and awareness amongpopulation in the area is inadequate. There is a need to undertake a large scale population basedepidemiological study and to introduce health interventions to control and reverse the spread ofHCV in the area and to impart health education and awareness to the masses.Keywords: HCV, Hepatitis C, Prevalence, Knowledge, HazaraReferences
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