Hepatitis B and C in Children in Karachi, Pakistan
Author Information
Author(s): Jafri Wasim, Jafri Nadim, Yakoob Javed, Islam Muhammad, Tirmizi Syed Farhan Ali, Jafar Tazeen, Akhtar Saeed, Hamid Saeed, Shah Hasnain Ali, Nizami Sheikh Qamaruddin
Primary Institution: Aga Khan University Hospital
Hypothesis
What are the prevalence and risk factors associated with Hepatitis B and C seropositivity among children in Karachi?
Conclusion
The study highlights the need for public education on HBV and HCV infections and the risks of unsafe therapeutic injections.
Supporting Evidence
- The overall infection rate was 3.3% in the studied population.
- 65 children (1.8%) were positive for HBsAg.
- 55 children (1.6%) were positive for anti-HCV.
- Therapeutic injections were significantly associated with HBsAg positivity.
Takeaway
This study looked at how many kids in Karachi have Hepatitis B and C and what might cause them to get it. It found that many kids are at risk because of unsafe injections.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study was conducted targeting children aged 1 to 15 years from low to middle socioeconomic backgrounds, using a two-stage cluster sampling technique.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on parental reporting for risk factors and the educational status of parents.
Limitations
The study did not check for hepatitis B core antibody and liver function tests, which could have provided more comprehensive data.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 1 to 15 years, with a mean age of 10 years, 52% male and 48% female.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 1.3–3.6
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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