Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C Along with Associated Risk Factors in General Population of Sena Damin District Jhelum Valley Azad Jammu and Kashmir

This is a cross sectional study to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B and C infection among the general population of union council Sena Daman district Jhelum Valley, Azad Kashmir and to assess the risk factors for their transmission. From approximately 16000 total individuals of population of Union Council Sena Daman 710 (4.4%) individuals were randomly screened for hepatitis B and C prevalence using Immuno-Chromatography Kits, ELISA and further confirmed by PCR. Among the tested individuals 174 (24.5%) including 90(51.7%) male and 84(48.3%) were found positive for both HBsAg and anti-HCV including 4.6% HBsAg positive, 19.7% anti-HCV positive. After ELISA 168 individuals were found positive which were also found positive after PCR. Out of these 29 were HBV positive and 138 were HCV positive. One individual was confirmed after PCR for co-infection of HBV and HCV. Out of 168 total individuals, 65(38.7%) individuals were found with an abnormal range of LFTs. Visit to local clinic, major or minor surgery and tattooing or piercing of nose, ears etc., were assessed significant risk factors in the spread of hepatitis B and C. Awareness of the general population was carried out through organizing awareness lectures and distribution of awareness material.