Abstract

Dr. Shiena* Dr. Kinza Javaid Dr. Adeen Shafey

ABSTRACT

Background: Viral Hepatitis B and C is a public health problem and is spreading at intense speed in all the population strata. Objective: The purpose of this study was to observe features of hepatitis B and hepatitis C +ive blood donors. Methodology: This cross sectional descriptive study was conducted from June to November 2019 at blood bank, Nishtar Hospital Multan. Blood screening was done by ICT-kit and PCR test methods. Both voluntary and replacement donors who were declared as +ive from the blood bank were selected for interview through preformed questionnaire after taking informed consent. The sample size of 220 blood donors was taken including both genders. The characteristics concerned with their personal profile, educational status, vaccination status, medical treatment received in the past, living habits, family history of hepatitis B and C were included. The data was collected and analyzed. Results: The survey found that 106 (48.18%) were illiterate and (52.72%) were workers. A majority of 184 (83.63%) responded that they could not be vaccinated against Hepatitis B again and about half, 112 respondents (50.90%) had a history of Hepatitis C case in their family. There were large number of respondents 172 (78.18%) who do not bring their own new disposable syringes for injection therapy at quacks clinics. Conclusion: The blood donors who were detected to be positive for hepatitis B or C were having following characteristics: Majority belonging to rural areas,