DETERMINATION OF RISK FACTORS AMONG HEPATITIS C
PATIENTS VISITING OPD OF AVICENNA MEDICAL
COLLEGE AND HOSPITAL, LAHORE
PRESENTED TO:
PROF. DR. RANA MUHAMMAD AKHTAR KHAN (HOD, COMMUNITY MEDICINE)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We extend our deepest gratitude to our supervisor, Prof. Dr. Rana Muhammad
Akhtar Khan, for his invaluable mentorship and support. Which was an
instrumental learning experience for us
We thank our co-supervisor, Dr. Sana Noor Jamal, for her continuous guidance
throughout the process.
We acknowledge the Department of Community Medicine, Avicenna Medical
College, for providing us with this opportunity.
Finally, we thank the patients who will participate in this study for their time and
contribution to medical research.
HEPATITIS C
It is the infection of the liver caused by a virus of the same name (Hepatitis C virus)
Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, dark urine,
jaundice (yellow skin/eyes). Long-term infection can silently damage the liver,
leading to cirrhosis (scarring) and even liver cancer.
Global: Hepatitis C is a major global health threat, affecting over 58 million
people worldwide. It is a leading cause of liver cirrhosis, cancer, and failure.
Local (Pakistan): Pakistan has the second highest burden of HCV globally. The
national prevalence is alarmingly high, estimated at around 8.64%
Lahore Context: Punjab province, and specifically Lahore, is a high-
prevalence area within Pakistan, with rates ranging from 5.46% to 6.7%.
RISK FACTORS
Unsafe Medical Practices: Reuse of syringes, improper sterilization of medical and
dental equipment.
Unregulated Blood Transfusions: Inconsistent screening of donated blood.
Cultural Practices: Use of unsterilized razors by barbers.
Intravenous Drug Use (PWID): Prevalence as high as 51% in this group.
Lack of Awareness: A critical underlying factor enabling the continued
PROBLEMS
The Identified Problems Despite the known severity of HCV, significant gaps
persist:
Lack of Localized Data: While national data exists, there is a need for hospital-
specific risk factor analysis to inform targeted interventions.
Psychological & Social Impact: The profound psychological impact and social
stigma associated with HCV are poorly addressed and act as barriers to testing
and treatment.
Barriers to Care: High cost of new Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAAs) and logistical
challenges limit access to cure, even when diagnosed.
Inadequate Infection Control: Gaps in healthcare settings, including OPDs,
continue to contribute to nosocomial transmission.
OBJECTIVES & METHODOLOGY
Study design & Population
Descriptive cross section study
Hepatitis C positive patients visiting the OPD of Avicenna Medical College &
Hospital, Lahore.
Purposive sampling
Duration 3 months
Our Research Aims This study was designed with three clear objectives:
To determine the prevalence of key risk factors associated with Hepatitis C
among patients visiting the OPD of Avicenna Hospital.
To assess the role of demographic, behavioral, medical, and environmental
factors contributing to HCV transmission.
To evaluate the impact of these risk factors on disease severity and health
outcomes.
OBJECTIVES & METHODOLOGY
Sample size:
138 patients (calculated with 95% Cl, 5% margin of error, 70% anticipated
proportion, and 10% non-response adjustment).
Inclusion Criteria:
• HCV patients (age 17-70 years) of Avicenna Hospital.
• Patients with disease Grade 1 to 4.
• Patients presenting with jaundice and deranged LFTs.
Exclusion Criteria:
• HCV patients from other hospitals.
• Patients with other major comorbidities like renal failure.
DATA COLLECTION & ANALYSIS
Tool: A pre-tested, structured questionnaire administered via face-to-face interviews.
Questionnaire Sections: Demographic profile, knowledge about Hepatitis C,
potential risk factors, and impact on daily life.
Analysis: Data will be analyzed using SPSS v24. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square
tests, and Z-tests will be used to determine associations and significances (p-value <
0.05).
RESULTS
This study will generate a detailed profile of the most common risk factors among
our patient population.
We expect to find high prevalence associated with factors like history of surgical
procedures, unsafe injections, and blood transfusions.
The analysis will reveal correlations between demographic variables (e.g.,
education, occupation) and HCV risk.
The data will provide insights into the level of patient knowledge and its
relationship with disease progression.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Enhanced Hospital Protocols: Strengthen infection control and sterilization
procedures within our OPD and wards.
Targeted Awareness Campaigns: Develop patient education materials focused on
the top risk factors identified in our study.
Healthcare Worker Training: Regular training for medical and paramedical staff on
safe injection practices and HCV management.
Psychological Support: Integrate counseling services for newly diagnosed HCV
patients to address stigma and mental health.
Advocacy for Affordable Treatment: Support policy initiatives that improve access
to affordable DAA regimens.
SKILLS ACQUIRED
This project has been instrumental in helping us develop critical skills essential for
our medical careers:
Designing a study, calculating sample size, and developing data collection tools.
Using statistical software (SPSS) to interpret medical data.
Linking patient history and clinical presentation (jaundice, LFTs) with disease
etiology.
Coordinating as a large group with distributed responsibilities.
Adhering to WMA Declaration of Helsinki principles for ethical research involving
human subjects.
REFERENCES
All the references would be provided at request.
THANK YOU
For listening.
A presentation by:
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• Muhammad Uzair Razi • Rida Tariq
• Muneeb Shoaib Alvi • Rida Fayyaz
• Mustajab Farooq • Safa Mudassar
• Rabia Jahangir • Mah-e-kamil
