The Frequency of Hepatitis C and its Risk Factors Among Health Care Providers at Tehsil Headquarter Hospital, Hasilpur, Pakistan

Abstract

IntroductionHepatitis C has emerged as a big challenge for Pakistan. Health care providers are at increased risk of being infected due to tremendous exposure.AimThe purpose of this study was to find the prevalence of hepatitis C, its risk factors especially its occupational risk factors and preventive measures practiced by health care providers of Tehsil Head Quarter Hospital, Hasilpur, Pakistan.Materials and methodsBlood samples were collected, and rapid chromatography strips were used for diagnostic purpose. A questionnaire was used for data collection. After analyzing the data, results were summarized.ResultsThe prevalence of Hepatitis was 5.17%. Those who used gloves were 67.24%. A history of needle stick injury was present in 47.41%, and 49.13% knew about the spread of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). Just 18.96% knew about the treatment plan, and 19.83% had attended a workshop on preventive measures of infectious diseases in healthcare settings.ConclusionThe frequency of HCV among health care providers is high. Awareness programs and training workshops should be mandatory to increase knowledge about hepatitis C prevention. It will decrease the incidence of hepatitis C infection among health care workers.

Hepatitis C virus infection and risk factors among patients and health-care workers of Ain Shams University hospitals, Cairo, Egypt

“…We found a 19.80% prevalence of HCV antibodies among participating patients, which is high compared to available estimates among hospital patients from other countries that are typically below 5% [ 16 – 21 ], but in accordance with the previously observed high prevalence of HCV among Egyptian hospital patients [ 14 , 22 ]. In participating HCWs, we found a lower prevalence of 8.0%, although this is again higher than estimates from other countries [ 23 – 28 ]. In both groups, older age was strongly associated with positive HCV status.…”

Hepatitis C Infection among Health Care Workers in Aswan: Seroprevalence and Risk Factors

“…This study reinforces the evidence from other studies that occupational exposure to HCV infection is a dual health problem for medical personals. (8,10,11) HCWs are more exposed to multiple sources of blood-borne microbes especially with unsafe handling of infected materials. At the same time, HCWs seek medical care during their illness in the same health care facilities which were characterized by poor infection control measures.…”

“…Targeted prevention actions must be based on the detection of work-related problems and this needs to be investigated further. (7,8) The extent of the occupational spread of blood-borne microbes is deficient in Upper Egypt communities. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of HCV seropositivity among HCWs in Aswan University Hospital, Aswan city, Egypt.…”

“…(7) The triggers related to their infection are being in contact with contaminated sharp instruments, injection malpractices, incorrect handling of biological materials, and insufficient education. (8) The number of infected HCWs is often affected by the overall number of HCV infected population. This rate is often high in HCWs living in less developed countries.…”

“…(4,7) Hepatitis C virus infection has a terrible impact on the practice of HCWs. (8) Some authors have made efforts to create risk assessment tools that help in the improvement of HCWs routine practices and reduce the reluctance of some HCWs to implement procedures of infection control. Risk assessment of HCV infections for HCWs requires regular monitoring of their workplaces focusing on their work nature, duration, and the time of exposure to the sick persons' blood and other infected materials.…”