PREVALENT RISK FACTORS OF HCV TRANSMISSION IN HEALTH CARE WORKERS (HCWS) IN PAKISTAN

Objective: To study and analyze the prevalent risk factors of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) transmission in Health Care Workers (HCWs) in PakistanMethods: A literature survey (2005-2012) was conducted from the available literatures to identify the most prominent risk factors and prevalence rate of HCV affected workers in Pakistan. Health care workers include doctors, nurses, paramedical staffs, dispensers, laboratory technicians and pharmacists. The most common risk factors associated with the high incidence rate of HCV in HCWs are lack of well-trained paramedical staff and their non-scientific behavior, improper disposal of hospital waste, lack of sterilization facilities, poor infrastructure, direct exposure to blood and its products and finally needle stick injury.Results: The mean prevalence of HCV in HCWs is 4.46%±2, with the highest prevalence (6%) in Islamabad and Rawalpindi area.Conclusion: We recommend for the HCWs to become aware of the possible risks of HCV spread and minimize the complications of hospital care. The government should have to initiate awareness program on HCV infection among health care professionals.Â