Epidemiology of Hepatitis C Virus in district Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Globally, 64 and 103 million people are chronically infected. Major risk factors for this blood-borne virus infection are unsafe injection drug use and unsterile medical procedures (iatrogenic infections) in countries with high HCV prevalence. In regions with high HCV prevalence, improper injectable drug use and unsterile medical procedures (iatrogenic infections) are major risk factors for this blood-borne viral infection. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of hepatitis C in District Swat. Methods: The zone investigated in my examination work is the Swat region. The data was collected for research through surveys and questionnaires. The statistical technique of data collection was done by simple random sampling. A total of 300 subjects from each tehsil were selected randomly. The sample was collected for a serum test of HCV. All statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism 6.0 (GraphPad Prism Software, San Diego, CA) and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The maximum prevalence was in the age groups of 41-50, 51-60, and 61-70 in both urban and rural areas. The major risk factors associated with HCV were Poor proficiency, low financial status, poor sterile condition, incorporate intravenous medication misuse, hemodialysis, transfusion of blood items, inking, over-sexual conduct, introduction to social insurance and organ transplants from HCV-positive contributors, and utilization of blood tainted straws for cocaine grunting. Conclusion: The incidence of HCV in district swat's rural and urban areas has risen significantly over so many years. The survey shows more HCV incidence than previous studies done in Pakistan. In our study, HCV is more prevalent in an urban area (Babozai) of the district swat.