INCIDENCE AND PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS C AMONG OUTPATIENTS IN SOME SELECTED HOSPITALS

ABSTRACT

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a meticulous factor of liver disease and one of the most important health issues worldwide. Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver produced by autoimmune disease, alcohol or drug abuse, genetic disorder or microbial infection. To detect the presence; prevalence; incidence; and the relationship between the different risk factors of hepatitis C among patients in Ilorin. This study reports on the occurrence of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) antibodies among patients attending selected hospitals in Ilorin, Nigeria. Serum samples from each subject were tested for the presence of antibodies to HCV using RAPID LABS rapid test kit produced by RAPID Laboratories, Ltd, UK. Analysis of the result showed that 1(1.4%) of the subjects tested positive to antibodies of HCV. The subjects included in this study were (71) seventy-one (34 (47.9%) males and 37 (52.1%) females; aged between 18-60 years of age). This study however, revealed the existence of this infection among patients attending hospitals in Ilorin. Attitudes such as good health seeking behavior, avoiding sharing of needles for drugs, tattooing or piercing that would reduce the risk of contacting HCV are therefore recommended.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONTENT                                                                                                  PAGES

Title Page                                                                                                                  i

Certification                                                                                                             ii

Dedication                                                                                                               iii

Acknowledgements                                                                                             iv-v

Abstract                                                                                                                   vi

Table of contents                                                                                               vii-ix

List of Tables                                                                                                       x-xi

List of Figures                                                                                                        xii

CHAPTER ONE

1.0  Introduction                                                                                                    1-4

1.1 Aim of the Research                                                                                           4

1.2 Objectives of the Research                                                                                 4

1.3 Statement of Problems                                                                                       5

1.4 Justification of the Research                                                                              5

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 Literature Review                                                                                         6-19

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 Materials and Methods                                                                                     20

3.1 Study Area                                                                                                       20

3.2 Study Population                                                                                              20

3.3 Sample Collection                                                                                            20

3.4 Data Collection                                                                                                20

3.5 Sample Preparation                                                                                          20

3.6 Test Kit                                                                                                             21

3.7 Serological Assay                                                                                             21

3.8 Data Analysis                                                                                                   22

3.9 Statistical Analysis                                                                                           22

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 Results                                                                                                              23

4.1 Prevalence                                                                                                   25-40

4.2 Incidence Rate Calculation                                                                              41

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 Discussion                                                                                                   42-47

Conclusion                                                                                                            48

Recommendations                                                                                                49

REFERENCES                                                                                               50-69