Survey of Hepatitis B and C Among Employees of University of Sindh, Pakistan; Focus on Risk Factors and Lack of Treatment Due to Low Socio-Economic Status

Abstract

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are spreading fast in the province of Sindh, Pakistan. HBV and HCV are highly contagious

viruses and their spread is increasing in low income societies. This study was carried  out  among  employees  of  University  of  Sindh,  Jamshoro,  Pakistan.

Qualitative tests for HBV and HCV infections were performed on 350 consenting non officer cadre employees (BPS-2 to BPS-7) in the staff canteen and laboratories of physics, chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, microbiology, environmental chemistry, information technology, physiology, geology and staff canteen. There was no restriction of age or gender in the recruitment of study participants. The ages  of  study  participants  ranged  between  20  to  59  years.  Survey  based questionnaire and qualitative analysis revealed HBV and HCV frequency in 25% (n=88) employees, including 92% (n=81) males and 8 %( n=7) females. Only 18.4% (n=16) of employees were previously vaccinated. Most of the employees were unaware of preventive vaccination of hepatitis B, whereas a few could not afford vaccination. HBV and HCV are common in the study population. Highest frequency of infection was found among the peons and laboratory attendants. Financial  constraints  restricted  most  of  the  employees  from  screening  and treatment of hepatitis.