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The Burden and Risk Factors of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in the Sikh Community of Punjab, Pakistan: A Community Based Case Control Study

Gurdeep Singh*, Faisel Yunus and Shabbar Ali

Background: Hepatitis C is an infection disease of human liver which is caused by HCV virus his study was conducted to find out the prevalence and associated risk factors of HCV among the Sikh community of Nankana sahib Punjab, Pakistan. Because data related to study on such topic does not exist previously in Pakistan.

Methods: 222 individuals were interviewed regarding risk factors for HCV between 6 October 2018 and 13 October 2018. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.00 by performing uni-variable analysis and those variables which are <0.25 in uni-variable analysis were retained to multivariable analysis.

Results: The overall prevalence of HCV was 19 (9%) cases. Associated risk factors was analyzed by performing of uni-variable analysis in which employment status, vaccination status, undergone dental procedures, patient with diabetics, positive history for HCV, imprisoned in last five years, self-flagellation with Kirpan with p-values of (0.003), (0.001), (0.01), (0.002), (0.003), (0.004), (0.001). The results were significant in uni-variable analysis, Variable having p-value<0.25 in the uni-variable analysis were retained in the multivariable logistic regression.

In multivariable logistic regression, Low level of education was in association with HCV sero-positive with (OR=1.7595%). Similarly sharing of comb (Kanga) was highly associated with the spread of HCV with (OR=2.058; 95).

Conclusion: This is a need to give education in regards to associated risk factors for the spread of HCV among the Sikh community of Nankana sahib. Hepatitis B vaccine should be administered to all new born babies regardless of maternal HBsAg status.