SERO-PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS C VIRUS AMONG HIV PATIENTS ATTENDING MODIBBO ADAMA UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL HOSPITAL, (MAUTH) YOLA
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This study investigated the sero-prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) among Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) patients attending Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital (MAUTH), Yola, in Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of HCV infection among HIV-infected patients and to assess the socio-demographic factors associated with HCV co-infection.
A cross-sectional study design was adopted for the research. A total of ___ HIV-positive patients attending the antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinic of the hospital were recruited for the study using simple random sampling techniques. Blood samples were collected from the participants and screened for antibodies to Hepatitis C Virus using standard serological diagnostic methods. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools such as frequency distribution and percentages.
The results revealed that ___% of the HIV-infected patients tested positive for Hepatitis C Virus antibodies, indicating the presence of HCV co-infection among the study population. The prevalence was observed to be higher among certain age groups and among patients with specific risk factors such as previous blood transfusion, sharing of sharp objects, and history of intravenous drug use. The findings also showed that the majority of the respondents were within the age group of 31–40 years, with a higher proportion of females attending the ART clinic.
The study therefore concludes that Hepatitis C Virus infection exists among HIV patients attending Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital. Routine screening for HCV among HIV-infected patients is recommended to ensure early detection and proper management of co-infection. The study also recommends increased awareness, improved screening programs, and strengthened infection prevention strategies to reduce the burden of HCV among HIV-infected individuals in Yola and its surrounding communities.
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