Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Diabetic patients in Islamabad/Rawalpindi

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus infection and Diabetes mellitus are the two major chronic infections that result in many complications and are increasing morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. According to WHO, 58 million people are infected by HCV. Objectives of the study are to determine the prevalence of HCV in diabetic patients in Islamabad/Rawalpindi and to assess the impact of other confounding variables including age, sex, marital status, occupation, and education on HCV. A total of 170 diabetic patients were selected for the study and 100 non-diabetic patients were also included in this study. Out of 170 diabetic patients, 61.76% were female and 38.23% were male participants. The patient’s ages ranged from 30-60 or above. Data was obtained through a questionnaire and blood samples were collected. Sera samples were analyzed for anti-HCV antibodies through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results were obtained and data were organized and analyzed through SPSS. This study revealed that diabetic patients had an overall prevalence of 64.7% for HCV. Out of 170 individuals with confirmed diabetes, 69.2% of men and 61.9% of women (P =.331; P>0.05) tested positive for HCV. Patients aged 41 to 50 revealed a 77.6% (P =.001; P<0.05) age-wise positivity rate for HCV. Individuals without education accounted for 77.8% of the population (P =.116; P>0.05). When the subjects' occupations were accounted, those who worked in the industry had 100% positive responses (P =.001; P<0.05). Regarding marital status, it was shown that respondents who had been divorced had 100% of positive responses (P =.980; P>0.05).The study found that diabetic patients had the highest prevalence of HCV. This emphasized the need for immediate and routine HCV screening in diabetic individuals to prevent further complications. Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus, Hepatitis C virus, Prevalence, Association.