Knowledge of Hepatitis B and C Infections and Sero-prevalence Among Blood Donor University Students in District, Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Abstract

Background:  The Hepatitis B and C infections are spreading like epidemic in Pakistan. The hidden por-tion of iceberg is huge, because of undiagnosed pati-ents and carriers. The knowledge level needs to be assessed and improved in order to effectively imple-ment the prevention and control strategies.

Objectives:  The study was conducted to estimate the sero-prevalence of Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B infec-tions in blood donor university students and to deter-mine their knowledge of Hepatitis B and C infections.

Method:  This is a cross - sectional study, conducted in public and private sector, non-medical Universities in District Lahore recognized by Higher education Commission of Pakistan. A representative sample of 340, male and female, voluntary or on payment blood donor students was selected using two - staged Proba-bility Sampling. Data was collected using structured pre-tested questionnaires after taking informed con-sent.

Results:  Among 340 study subjects 66.2% were females. Hepatitis B seroprevalence was (4/340) 1.176%, and Hepatitis C seroprevalence was also esti-mated to be (4/340) 1.176%. Combined hepatitis B and C seroprevalence was 2.35%. Among the seropo-sitives 37.5% were females while 62.5% were males. The knowledge level about mode of transmission varies from 63.2% to 90.3%, while the knowledge level range from 51.2% to 94.7% about at risk groups and the knowledge range came out to be 63.2% to 94.7% about prevention and control measures.

Conclusion:  The seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C is much less. The educated youth of our community is much aware about the common routes of transmission of Hepatitis B and C infections.

Key words:  Knowledge, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, seroprevalence, blood donors.