Unveiling Hepatitis B and C Rates: Screening Program Results in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan, and Amongst Afghan Migrants

• DOI: 10.20944/preprints202308.1060.v1
• Publication Date: 2023-08-16T00:52:25Z
• Authors: Azhar Saeed; Qazi Kamran Amin; Muhammad Naveed A...; Zaland Ahmed Yous...; Salman Khan; Rida Saeed
• Keywords: Afghan; Hepatitis C; Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B and C are major health issues in developing countries such as Pakistan Afghan-istan. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence effectiveness a screening program for hepatitis region with no existing programs, estimate their prev-alence general population Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan, well Afghan refugees or migrants. A retrospective cohort done Peshawar its adjacent districts, migrants from neighboring provinces Afghani-stan, who presented our tertiary-care facility. Microsoft Excel registry created data collection, which were analyzed using IBM SPSS via descriptive analysis, normal distribution curve histograms, chi-squared tests. total 9563 individuals screened (5894 males 3669 females), including surrounding districts. 876 tested positive hepatitis, 538 (383 155 females) 330 (198 134 females). Eight had co-infection. Among population, rates 2.2% 2.3% C, accounted 2.7% 0.5%, respectively. According gender-based distribution, more prevalent males, whereas there significant difference C. Our results highlight need comprehensive approach control Afghanistan. Increased awareness, improved healthcare, preventive measures elimination programs prevent severe liver diseases eradicate necessary.