The Effect of Environmental Factors and Socio-Economic Profile in Infective Hepatitis

ABSTRACT

Background: Hepatitis can be defined as "Infection of the liver". Hepatitis A is caused by water pollution due to fecal contamination. The aim of study is to know the various epidemiological factors in patients with infective hepatitis admitted in the Kasturba hospital. To identify environmental factors, demographic and socio-economic profile of infective hepatitis. Methods: The present study was conducted in an urban hospital, "Kasturba Hospital" at Chinchpokali to discuss the epidemiological aspects of the infective hepatitis cases. 220 cases were studied prospectively, they were interviewed for the history and physical examination. Results: 1) Out of 220 case males were 126 (57.2%) and female were 94 (42.8%), 2) The age group 15-34 years had the cases 71 (32.27%) and 25-34 age group had the cases 73 (33.18%). The cases declined further with subsequent age groups 35 and above. The difference in child age and adult age was significant, 3) Majority of patients presented with dark yellow urine 87.72%, loss of appetite 83.63% and icterus 96.36%, 4) The patients having liver enlargement were 128 (58.2%) and was significant, 5) The percentage of the patients taking meals outside was 60% and found to be highly significant, 6) Majority of the patients had municipal tap water supply (94.00%), 7) More numbers of patients at chawls were 47.2% and huts were 30 (13.6%), the difference was significant. Conclusion: Health Education should be given to the community regarding the modes of transmission and method of prevention of infective hepatitis through simple and effective media.