{'fraction_non_alphanumeric': 0.040625, 'fraction_numerical': 0.023125, 'mean_word_length': 5.8418803418803416, 'pattern_counts': {'":': 0, '<': 1, '<?xml version=': 0, '>': 0, 'https://': 0, 'lorem ipsum': 0, 'www.': 0, 'xml': 0}, 'pii_count': 0, 'substrings_counts': 0, 'word_list_counts': {'cursed_substrings.json': 0, 'profanity_word_list.json': 0, 'sexual_word_list.json': 0, 'zh_pornsignals.json': 0}}
PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS C INFECTION

Objectives: The aim of the current study was to estimate the seroprevalence andrisk factors investigation associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in general patientsattending various public and private hospitals of Lahore metropolitan. Study Design: Crosssectional study. Setting: Out Patient Departments (OPDs) of public hospitals, comprising ofMayo Hospital, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Services Hospital, Jinnah Hospital and Lahore GeneralHospital of Lahore. Period: 2012. Material and Methods: A total of 904 patients from outpatientdepartments of five public and two private hospitals were enrolled during 2012. Bloodsamples were collected to evaluate their anti-HCV status using 3rd generation ELISA. To findout the risk factors associated with HCV infection, the data was collected on a pretested andvalidated questionnaire. Results: The seroprevalence was estimated to be 14.6%. Mean ageof reactive and non-reactive general patients was significantly associated (P=0.012) with anti-HCV status. Marital status (OR=2.042), socioeconomic status, blood donation (OR=2.15),prescription by doctor or non-doctor (OR=2.664), route of drug administration, relatives havinghepatitis and towel sharing (OR=1.987) were significantly associated (P<0.05) risk factors forHCV infection. Conclusion: The study reveals a higher prevalence of HCV infection in generalpatients of Lahore due to poor socioeconomic status, treatment by quacks, excessive use ofinjectable drugs, house hold contacts with hepatitis patients and lack of awareness about theHCV transmission.