Article Text
Abstract
Background Hepatitis C (HCV) is a single stranded RNA flavivirus, it is estimated that 170 million people worldwide are infected with it. The main known routes of transmission for HCV are parenteral, intravenous drug abuse, contaminated injection devices and receipt of unscreened blood or blood products. Objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis C among high risk people HIV, Intra Venous Drug users (IDUs) of Eastern Nepal.
Methods The study design was descriptive cross sectional. A total of 300 samples were randomly selected from six different centres of Eastern Nepal during data collection period of one year. Structured questionnaires were used to collect demographic & behavioural data. Venus blood was collected after taking informed consent, pretest counselling of the study subjects. Rapid Immunochromatography diagnostic kit (HCV-Tridot) was used for detection of against antibody “hepatitis C”.
Results Out of total participants 95% were male and mean age was 23 years. Majority of the respondents (39%) were adult of 20–24 yrs age group followed by 27.7% (15–19yrs), 18% (25–29yrs), and 13% (30–40yrs). Socio-economic status, 62% were unemployed, 23.3% labourer, 7% had different kind of business, 1.7% migrant labourer. Around 18% participants were below poverty line.
Conclusion Prevalence of the hepatitis “C” was found to be 49% among risk group people of HIV, IDUs of Eastern Nepal. This is an alarming situation in our community, authorities of this region and country level should take action immediately to control HCV transmission as well as further prevention and treatment for HCV positives.
- HCV
- HIV
- IDUs