ResearcherID - CLICK HERE Scientific Journal Impact Factor (SJIF-2020) - CLICK HERE

ANALYSIS OF HEPATITIS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN OF LAHORE

Dr Saman Sarwar, Dr Muhammad Arsalaan Naveed, Dr Waleed Masud

Introduction: Hepatitis B is one of the major global health infectious diseases affecting the liver. It is estimated that, globally, over 2 billion people have been infected with Hepatitis B virus and an estimated 240 million people are chronic carriers of the virus. Hepatitis C infection is one of the major health issue worldwide caused by hepatitis C virus. Objectives of the study: The main objective of the study is to analyze the hepatitis infection among pregnant women of Pakistan. Material and methods: This study was conducted at Government Lady Aitchison Hospital, Lahore during January 2018 to May 2018. A sample size of 100 individuals was targeted. A specific questionnaire was developed to determine viral hepatitis perception. This instrument was composed of two topics: demographic characteristics and viral hepatitis perception. Sociodemographic data included gender, age, education, and monthly family income. Results: Independent factors associated with insufficient reduced HBV knowledge include women outside the healthcare sector, lower education level, and no previous HBV testing. The majority of respondents could provide correct responses about the common aspects of HBV infection, including screening, blood-borne and perinatal transmissions, prevention by vaccination, and sequelae of HBV infection. Conclusion: It is concluded that knowledge and awareness of HBV among pregnant women in the Pakistan is low. Generalized across the country, this could have the potential to hamper effective HBV prevention and control in Pakistan.

FULL TEXT