Associated factors of hepatitis C infection in pregnant women at Outpatient Department of Peoples Medical University and Hospital District Shaeed Benazir Abad, Sindh province, Pakistan

Authors

  • Akhlaque Hussain Magsi College of Public Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
  • Sathirakorn Pongpanich College of Public Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand

Keywords:

Hepatitis C virus, Pregnant women, Pakistan

Abstract

Purpose - This study aimed to explore the risk factors associated with transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in pregnant women attending clinics at Peoples Medical College & Hospital in Shaheed Benazir Abad province, Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach - A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 318 pregnant women, aged from 16 to 45 years, who visited in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics during May to June 2018. Irrespective of gestational age on their first visit of antenatal care were also recruited. A structured questionnaire was used to interview participants using convenient sampling.  Descriptive statistic was employed for the data analysis. 

Findings - Out of 318 respondents, 26 (8.2%) were reported positive with HCV. Socio-demographic factors and past medical history were significantly associated with no education 10 (38.5%), injection 24 (92.3%), and blood transfusion 15 (57.7%).

Originality/value - HCV is a common infection in pregnant women. The prevalence of HCV was associated with socio-demographic factors including poor literacy rate, low socio-economic status, past medical history. Unsafe injection and blood transfusion were found to be strongly associated with increased of HCV among the pregnant women.

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Published

2018-12-28

How to Cite

Magsi, A. H., & Pongpanich, S. (2018). Associated factors of hepatitis C infection in pregnant women at Outpatient Department of Peoples Medical University and Hospital District Shaeed Benazir Abad, Sindh province, Pakistan. Journal of Health Research, 32(Suppl.2), S246-S256. Retrieved from https://he01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/jhealthres/article/view/168537

Issue

Vol. 32 No. Suppl.2 (2018)

Section

SHORT REPORT

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