Abstract
Hepatitis B and C (HBV and HCV) are the main cause of spreading viral Hepatitis rapidly which has become a serious health issue in the world. Awareness about its risk factors, treatment, and prevention in Jaffarabad district is of major importance. This study analysed the socio-economic factors apparently causing Hepatitis B and C in Jaffarabad district of Balochistan. A hospital based descriptive study was conducted by interviewing 200 Hepatitis B and C registered patients at Tehsil hospitals of Jaffarabad district. Data referring to the age, education, gender, family status, and awareness about viral Hepatitis, possible modes of transmission, and false perceptions relating to Hepatitis B and C were gathered and analyzed using SPSS software. The community of District Jaffarabad was not fairly aware about the various routes of transmission of the two blood borne viruses. About 33% believed in myths that Hepatitis B and C virus are transmitted by sharing food with the infected persons; 27% of the patients had no knowledge about the transmission factors of the both viruses and only 30.5% of the study population knew that HBV and HCV can be transmitted by unsafe needle prick. The data indicate that unscreened blood, used syringes, unsafe sex, cupping, contaminated surgical instruments, spouse infected with Hepatitis B and C, sharing toothbrush/Miswak with others, Parents infected with Hepatitis B and C, sharing nail clipper with others, and unsafe scissors and cottons used by midwives are the major causal factors. Awareness of Jaffarabad district community about safety measures, treatment and information about different routes of transmission of Hepatitis B, C needs improvement. Strict use of disposable syringes, needles, sterilized surgical instruments, and organizing continued health education programs will help in preventing the transmission of Hepatitis B and C viruses.
Irshad Ahmed , Dr. Mumtaz A. Baloch . (2018) Socioeconomic factors causing Hepatitis B and C in Jaffarabad District, Balochistan , Balochistan Review, Volume XXXIX , Issue 2.
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