Abstract
Introduction: Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, most commonly caused by viral infection. Of these viruses, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections account fora substantial proportion of liver diseases worldwide.
Aims and objectives: The basic aim of the study is to find the risk factors of hepatitis among local population of Pakistan.
Methodology of the study: This study was conducted at Bahawal Victoria hospital during 2018. A total 100 study participants aged >= 18 years with clinically diagnosed CLD were included in the study by convenient sampling technique. Patients were recruited by consecutive basis. The diagnostic criteria for grouping patients as chronic liver disease were based on history, clinical, ultrasound, and impaired liver function tests.
Results: A total of 100 patients with signs and symptoms of CLD were recruited Of these, 85 subjects completed the study. The mean age +/- SD for all the study population was years (range = 18-80). Majority, 75.8% were below the age of 50 years, 67 (55.8%) were married, 32 (26.7%) single, 11 (9.2%) divorced, and 10 (8.3%) widow. In relation to residence area, 91 (75.8%) of the participants were urban dwellers.
Conclusion: It is concluded that prevalence of HBV and HCV infections among CLD patients in this study is high. Dental extraction at health facilities has 2.95 time association of acquisition of HCV infection than those who do not have history of dental extraction.