ABSTRACT
The objective was to evaluate the sero-prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg] and IgM antibodies to hepatitis core antigen in Balochistan Province of Pakistan. Design of the study: a cross-sectional, population-based study. Place and time of the study: The study was conducted in Balochistan from 1[st] January 2004 to 31[st] December, 2008. The screening areas included Barkhan, Eashani, Khuzdar, Kodi Zikriani, Kohlu, Rakhni and Turbat. A total of 15,260 subjects were enrolled; 11,900 [78%] agreed to undergo screening. Fresh serum samples were tested for the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen and IgM antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen. HBsAg was detected in 1166 [9.8%] while anti-HBc IgM was found in 117 [10.0%]. HBsAg positivity was seen in 875 [12.7%] males and 291 [5.8%] females. The prevalence of hepatitis B in Balochistan varies from 3.3% in Khuzdar to 17.0% in Kodi Zikriani. It is utmost important to educate the public, to take proper measures to control the spread of infection and vaccination in order to interrupt transmission of this threatening public health problem in Balochistan province of Pakistan
ABSTRACT
Background: This study was carried out to determine the frequency of false - positive results during serological screening for the presence of antibodies against HIV-I/2 in blood banks
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January - December 1999 as screening of voluntary non-remunerated blood donor pool for HIV in the public sector blood banks, in all the six divisions of Balochistan. 5000 subjects were screened for the presence of antibodies against HIV-I/ 2. The subjects were all males between the age group 18-50 years, attending the public sector blood banks as non-remunerated blood donors. Strategy I was adopted for initial screening, Strategy II and III were observed in retesting on ELISA, as recommended by UNAIDS/WHO for blood banks
Results: Out of 5000 subjects, 48 [0.96%] were positive for HIV-I/2 on Strategy I, 37 [77% of 48] met the criteria of false positive, while only 11 [0.22% of 5000] were found to be true positive
Conclusion: In blood banks, screening for HIV antibodies is performed for intervention of the positive donations. UNAIDS / WHO Strategy-I is observed on a smaller workload blood banks where donations are less than 20 per day. A high rate of false positive results in serological HIV screening on Strategy-I depicts that the test is highly sensitive but not highly specific. Labeling someone with HIV positive, when actually he is not, forces the health authorities to find other ways of HIV screening in blood banks, which should be much more specific and therefore reliable
ABSTRACT
The aim of this study is to determine the knowledge, attitude, behaviour and practices regarding HIV/AIDS among the fishermen community in the coastal areas of Balochistan. Design: A cross-sectional survey. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted between September-October 2000 at Gidani, a coastal area of Balochistan. Patients and About 1000 fishermen were interviewed to assess the knowledge, attitude, behaviour and practices regarding HIV/AIDS. It was a community based survey involving the key informants' interviews and focused group discussions. There was little awareness regarding causes and prevention of HIV/AIDS in the community. While healthcare providers believe that the prevalence of HIV/AIDS is high, the community did not consider themselves at risk. Adolescents with any sexual health problems visit hakims and quacks. The community was aware of the etiology and some of the risk factors associated with AIDS, most probably due to the recent public health campaigns against the disease. Considering the suspected high prevalence of HIV/AIDS and the relative lack of knowledge, it is imperative that a public health intervention program be initiated in these areas. This must include educating not only the community but also the health workers. The Government's initiative to train community workers in reproductive health is a step in the right direction