Waqas Shabbir, Kiran Namoos, Muhammad Aslam.
oComparison of Factors Associated with Hepatitis B and C in Different age Groups of patients Visiting a Tertiary Hospital in Lahore: a Cross-Sectional Study.
Ann Jinnah Sindh Med Uni Jan ;7(1):20-4.

Objective: To compare the risk factors and the possible mode of acquisition of Hepatitis B and C in patients of different ages Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at Lahore General Hospital from January 2020 to June 2020. Total 350 previously unscreened patients with ages between 16 and 55 years were included in the study after approval from the Ethical Review Committee of PGMI/LGH (095/20- 8/6/20). Patients were grouped according to age: Group 1 (16-35 years) and Group 2 (36-55 years). Screening was done by ELISA technique. Data was collected through questionnaire and was analyzed on Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. Results: Incidence of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) was found to be more common than Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) in both genders. Risk of developing viral infection in both genders increased with age. Use of I/V drugs, barber shave (via razor), dental procedures, and body piercings were the risk factors for developing infection observed in more in Group 2. Co-infection was observed more in males in Group 2. Conclusion: Major contributors for Hepatitis B and C are the use of unsterilized injections tools and unscreened blood during dental procedures, blood transfusions, and visits to community barbers. Awareness regarding equipment sterilization in both the age groups may help in reducing the burden of infection in this community. Key words: Age, HBV, HCV, co-infection

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