Authors: Ahmed Mahmood , Amina Habib , Naureen Omar , Muhammad Junaid Javed J , Saeed H

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Immunocompromised state developing due to irreversible renal compromise promotes Hepatitis B and C seropositivity in haemodialysis patients. Direct contact and contamination of machines are the main source. The present study was designed to assess the seropositivity of Hepatitis B and C in haemodialysis patients in Tertiary care hospitals of Lahore. The secondary aim was to assess the perception of haemodialysis patients regarding Hepatitis B and C.
Methods: Cross sectional study was conducted on 78 haemodialysis patients of Fatima Memorial and Sheikh Zayed Hospital within four months. Seropositivity and perception regarding Hepatitis B and C was assessed using a structured questionnaire by interviewing after fulfilling ethical considerations. SPSS was used to analyze the data.
Results: Out of 78 patients, 47 (60.3%) were male and 31 (29.7%) patients were female. Awareness amongst haemodialysis patients was mediocre, 40 (51.2%). Seropositivity for Hepatitis B and C was 45 (57.6%) with 12 (26.7%) being declared as Hepatitis B and C positive during dialysis. Active screening was being done for haemodialysis patients, 70 (89.7%) with 45 (57.6%) being vaccinated for Hepatitis B. Patients 69 (88.4%) thought cleanliness and hygiene were best control measures to avoid the spread of Hepatitis B and C, contrary to 31 (39.7%) believing in spread through contamination of blood. Testing for Hepatitis B and C was more in public sector (x 2 4.62, P-value 0.03). A significant difference between public and private sector patients with opinions that these diseases could be prevented in dialysis clinic (x 2 6.48, P-value 0.01) by applying preventive measures was recorded.
Conclusion: Majority haemodialysis patients are seropositive for Hepatitis B and C. Perception of patients regarding mode of transmission, safety measures, and hazards of dialysis was average. Health education and routine disinfection can be considered to be the major measures to be adopted for reduction of spread of Hepatitis B and C.

Keywords: Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Haemodialysis, Seropositivity.