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- Title
A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess the Prevalence of Hepatitis B Serological Markers Among Individuals with A History of Jaundice.
- Authors
Kazmi, Syed Ayaz; Rauf, Abdul; Latif, Muhammad Zahid; Akhtar, Tasleem; Shahid, Beenish; Khawaja, Sundus; Rasool, Ghulam; Batool, Iqra; Tahir, Muqaddas; Anjum, Zeeshan; Khan, Faiq Nawaz; Sharif, Muhammad Shabir; Farooq, Salma; Liaqat, Jehanzeb
- Abstract
Background: Hepatitis B infection presents a significant global health challenge, with Pakistan experiencing particularly high prevalence rates. Moreover, jaundice is often regarded as a non-threatening metabolic condition by most individuals rather than an infectious concern. Given the strong association between hepatitis B and jaundice, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of hepatitis B serological markers among individuals with a history of jaundice in the state of AJK, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 participants from the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Muzaffarabad, selected based on the history of jaundice within the last 6 months and aged over 18 years. Data collection included basic ethno-demographic information and screening for hepatitis B using immuno-chromatographic test (ICT) devices forHBsAg, anti-HBc, HBeAg, anti-HCV, and anti-HDV. HBV DNA was extracted for positive HBsAg cases and subjected to PCR amplification. We analyzed the data using GraphPad Prism V. 9.0. Results: Among the participants, 2% tested positive for HBsAg, 1% for HBV DNA, and 1% for HBeAg. Fortunately, none tested positive for Anti-HCV or Anti-HDV. Age-based analysis showed a higher (11.8%) prevalence of hepatitis B markers among participants aged above 25 years. Male participants showed a higher prevalence of HBsAg compared to females (9.5% vs. 0%; p = 0.0056; χ2 = 7.677). District-wise prevalence of hepatitis B varied, with Bagh district showing the highest rate of 10%, while some districts reported no cases. Job-based analysis showed higher prevalence among employees (28.6%) compared to students (0%). Tribal analysis revealed varying prevalence rates, with the Chaudhary tribe showing a positivity rate of 16.7%, and the Khan tribe exhibiting a positivity rate of 12.5% for hepatitis B markers. Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of recommending hepatitis B screening for individuals with a history of jaundice, especially among older age groups and males. Understanding the differences in hepatitis B prevalence among different ethnic groups and demographics is necessary for creating effective prevention and control plans in AJK state, Pakistan.
- Subjects
PAKISTAN; DISEASE prevalence; HEPATITIS B; JAUNDICE; CROSS-sectional method; AGE groups
- Publication
Journal of Advanced Zoology, 2024, Vol 45, Issue 3, p497
- ISSN
0253-7214
- Publication type
Article