Seroprevalence of Hepatic Viruses and Associated Risk Factors Among Rehabilitated Patients During the Post-Addictive Phase
Seroprevalence of Hepatic Viruses in Rehabilitated Patients
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v4i3.1370Keywords:
Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, Drug Addiction, Intravenous Drug Users, Seroprevalence, Rehabilitation Centers, Risk Factors, Public Health.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.
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