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Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are the leading
causes of liver diseases causing serious health problem throughout the world. The risk of
transmission of these viruses is highly associated with precutaneous exposure to blood when
invasive procedures are undergoing especially in developing countries where there is improper
utilization and inadequate sterilization of medical equipment.
Objective: The aim of this study was to asses’ prevalence of HBV and HCV infection and its
associated factors among surgical patients at Hawassa University comprehensive specialized
hospital.
Methods: Hospital based cross sectional study was conducted on 422 patients scheduled for
surgery from January to April 2018g technique. Patients were selected by systematic random
sampling .After obtaining an informed written consent and assent, structured questionnaires was
used to collect data on socio-demography and associated factors. Patient’s serum was tested by
serological rapid kits for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV. HBsAg positive
patients were further tested for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg). Data were analyzed by using SPSS
version 20.
Result: In this study, the prevalence of HBsAg and Anti- HCV among patients scheduled for
surgery were 9% [95% confidence interval (CI): 6.4%-11.8%] and 5.5% [95% confidence interval
(CI): 3.3% -7.6%], respectively. The rate of HBV infectivity was high with 34.2% of HBsAg
positive patients having evidence of HBeAg in their serum. Patients who practiced multiple sexual
partner (AOR=2.58, CI: 1.18-5.61, p=0.017), dental procedure (AOR=4.20, CI: 1.87-9.55,
p=0.001) and blood transfusion (AOR=3.84, CI: 1.27-11.65, p=0.017) had higher odds of HBV
infection and those who had history of surgical procedure (AOR=6.05:95%CI:1.59-
23.04:p=0.008) and dental procedure (AOR=3.70:95% CI:1.40-9.77: p=0.008) had higher odds
of HCV infection, compared to their counterparts.
Conclusion and Recommendation: High prevalence of Hepatitis B and C virus infection was
observed among patients scheduled for surgery in the study area. This finding suggests that Health
care providers in this environment have a high risk of exposure to hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus History of: dental procedure, blood transfusion and multiple sexual partners were independent risk
factor for HBV infection. While, History of dental and surgical procedures were independent risk
factor for HCV infection. Therefore, it is essential to routinely screen all patients undergoing
surgery and Health care providers should be immunized at the beginning of their professional life
and Universal biosafety measures should be observed strictly in all invasive procedures. |
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