BURDEN OF HEPATITIS ‘C‘ AMONG HIGH RISK PEOPLE OF HIV/IV DRUG USERS: A COMMUNITY BASED STUDY FROM EASTERN NEPAL

Dr Deepak Kumar Yadav; Mrs Sabita Yadav; Dr Nilambar Jha; Dr Nimesh Poudyal

Volume : VII, Issue : I, January - 2018

BURDEN OF HEPATITIS ‘C‘ AMONG HIGH RISK PEOPLE OF HIV/IV DRUG USERS: A COMMUNITY BASED STUDY FROM EASTERN NEPAL

Dr Deepak Kumar Yadav, Mrs Sabita Yadav, Dr Nilambar Jha, Dr Nimesh Poudyal

Abstract :

Introduction: Hepatitis C is a single stranded RNA flavivirus, it is estimated that 170 million people worldwide are infected with it.Although only a small proportion of acute HCV infections are symptomatic, HCV progresses to chronic infection in approximately 80% of cases and is an important cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Aims and Objective: To determine the prevalence of Hepatitis C among high risk people HIV/IV Drug users of Eastern Nepal.

Methodology: The study design was descriptive cross sectional. A total of 300 samples were selected randomly from six different places along with east west high way, of Jhapa, Morang and Sunsari district. Structured questionnaires were used to collect demographic & behavioral data. Venus blood was collected after taking informed consent. Rapid Immunochromatography diagnostic kit (HCV-Tridot) was used for detection of against antibody �hepatitis C�.

Result: Out of total 95% were male and mean age was 23 years. Majority of the respondents (39%) were from 20-24 yrs followed by 27.7% (15-19yrs), 18% (25-29yrs), and 13% (30-40yrs). Socio-economic status, 62% were unemployed, 23.3% laborer, 7% had different kind of business, 1.7% migrant labor. Around 18% participants were below poverty line.

Conclusion: Hepatitis �C� was found to be 49% among risk group people of HIV/IV drug users. This is an alarming situation in our community; authorities of public health should take quick action to control HCV transmission as well as further prevention and treatment for HCV positives.