INCIDENCE RATE OF HUMAN IMMUNO-DEFICIENCY VIRUS AND HEPATITIS B & C INFECTIONS IN DRUG ADDICTS AT SHAIKH ZAYED HOSPITAL RAHIM YAR KHAN

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the rate of incidence of HIV (Human Immuno-deficiency Virus) & Hepatitis (B & C) in drug addicts in Shaikh Zayed Hospital Rahim Yar Khan. Methodology: This research work carried out in Shaikh Zayed Hospital Rahim Yar Khan. A sum of 453 drug addicts got admission in the ward from August 2017 to December 2019. The data about their past history was gathered on a well-organized form and screening of these patients carried out for HIV and hepatitis infections. In addition, the utilization of three different types of screening methods as Unigold, Biline & Determine carried out for the screening of HIV. Results: There were 98.0% (n: 394) male and 2.0% (n: 8) females. The average age of the participants was 32.20 ± 8.80 years. Overall rate of incidence of HIV was 21.10%, HCV was 34.30% and HBV was 3.20% in drug addicts. Among positive HIV drug addicts, 84.70% patients used drugs through the injections in comparison with the 15.30% patients who were taking drugs through oral methods. The relapse rate of use of drug was very high as 83.30% in all drug users. Among these drug addicts, 47.20% were present with past history of treatment whereas other 52.80% never sought any therapy. The past history about drug abuse in family showed that 32.20% drug addicts were present with other family members who were also drug addicts. Furthermore, approximately 11.40% drug addicts were present with past history of transfusion of blood. Conclusion: Prevalence of HIV, HBV and HCV in drug addicts particularly those patients who used drugs through IV injections. The rate of relapse was also very high and past history of use of drug in the family may also prompt a person towards becoming a drug user. KEYWORDS: Prevalence, Addict, Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus, Relapse Rate, Injection, Hepatitis Viral Infections