Risk Factors for Hepatitis C Virus

Abstract

Objective: To find out risk factors for hepatitis C infection in obstetric patients in a teaching hospital. Study Design -Observational study. Place and Duration At Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore during a period of one year. Subjects and Methods -Casesof hepatitis C infection, diagnosed on the basis of screening for antibodies for Hepatitis C were included in the study. A proforma was designedand details of each case including maternal demographics and associated risk factors were entered. Result Fifty three obstetric patients werepositive for Hepatitis C virus antibodies in one year of study period. Majority of women were among 25-29 years of age, belong to lowsocioeconomic status, illiterate and among parity range of 2-5. Previous history of surgical procedures was in 66% of subjects while 62% hadhistory of injections. Ear piercing in unsterilized conditions by non skilled person was also present in significant number (43%) while 17% hadhistory of blood transfusions. Conclusion: Hepatitis C infection is linked to surgical procedures, injections and ear piercing in this study.However, to identify all associated maternal risk factors, larger studies at multiple centres will be required and strategies should be made toprevent its' transmission.