FREQUENCY OF HEPATITIS B AND C VIRUS IN SURGICAL PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF MUZAFFARABAD

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B and C, parenterally transmitted diseases are major health problems all over the world especially in the developing countries. Patients presenting in different hospitals are not routinely screened for hepatitis B and C if they are not symptomatic. Since majority of carriers are asymptomatic, they create a real threat to health staff through self pricks, and other patients who share the same surgical instruments. Objective of this study was to assess the extent of hepatitis B and C in hospitalized surgical patients. Methods: This study, a cross-sectional survey, was carried out in Department of Surgery, Abbas Institute of Medical Sciences Muzaffarabad, from June to December 2018. Sample size was calculated using WHO sample size calculator for cross-sectional surveys. Non-probability convenient sampling technique was used. Results: Out of the total 100 patients included in this study, there were 54 (54%) males and 46 (46%) females, with ages ranging from 20 to 70 years. Three percent (3%) patients were hepatitis B positive while 12% were hepatitis C positive. Highest frequency of hepatitis C was seen in the age group 61–70 years, while hepatitis B patients were one each in age group of 20–30 years, 41–50 years, and 51–60 years. Conclusion: The frequency of hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis C virus in patients undergoing surgery is increasing which is a public health concern. There is an urgent need to implement infection control practices and preventive measures.