Seroprevalence of Hepatic Viruses and Associated Risk Factors Among Rehabilitated Patients During the Post-Addictive Phase Seroprevalence of Hepatic Viruses in Rehabilitated Patients

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Published: Sep 18, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v4i3.1370
Keywords:
Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, Drug Addiction, Intravenous Drug Users, Seroprevalence, Rehabilitation Centers, Risk Factors, Public Health.

Main Article Content

Adnan Khan
Abasyn University, Islamabad, Pakistan
Amber Nawaz Kiani
Sarhad University of Science and Information Technology, Peshawar, Pakistan
Abdul Basit
Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan
Shafi Ul Haq
Sarhad University of Science and Information Technology, Peshawar, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Drug addiction poses a major public health risk, particularly in terms of the transmission of blood-borne infections like Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) among users.
Objective: To assess the seroprevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV and identify associated risk factors among drug users in rehabilitation centers in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 203 drug users from July to October 2022. Participants were screened for HBV, HCV, and HIV using immunochromatographic tests (ICT) and confirmed by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Demographic and risk factor data were collected through structured forms. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.0, including descriptive statistics and chi-square tests for associations.
Results: The prevalence rates for HCV, HBV, and HIV were 15.8%, 9.3%, and 3.4%, respectively. Intravenous drug users showed a higher prevalence of HCV (8.4%) compared to non-intravenous users (7.4%). Needle sharing (55.7%) and low socio-economic status (83.2%) were significant risk factors.
Conclusion: HCV is highly prevalent among drug users, especially intravenous users, necessitating targeted harm reduction strategies and enhanced rehabilitation facilities.

Article Details

How to Cite
Khan, A., Amber Nawaz Kiani, Abdul Basit, & Shafi Ul Haq. (2024). Seroprevalence of Hepatic Viruses and Associated Risk Factors Among Rehabilitated Patients During the Post-Addictive Phase: Seroprevalence of Hepatic Viruses in Rehabilitated Patients. Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Research, 4(3). https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v4i3.1370
Issue
Vol. 4 No. 3 (2024): Volume 4, Issue 3 - July to September 2024
Section
Articles
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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