Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Background: Prison inmates are among the high risk population for dangerous infections such as HBV, HCV and other contagious diseases. In spite of many data about the prevalence and risk factors for blood-borne diseases among prisoners in the world, such data are sparse from Iraq. The aim of this study: To determine the prevalence and associated risk factors for HBV and HCV infections among a sample of prison inmates in Iraq. Methods: In a cross-sectional study in March 2015‒February 2016, 190 prisoners in the central prison of Al-Diwaniya Province in Iraq were selected based on a systematic, stratified random sampling method. Sera were analyzed for HBV and HCV infections by appropriate commercial ELISA kits. An anonymous questionnaire was used to collect the demographic data and information about risk factors. Results: Overall, 190 male prisoners (mean age: 34 ±9 years), participated in this study. The prevalence of HBV and HCV infection was 7.8% and 10.5%, respectively. Drug abuse and history of traditional phlebotomy were associated risk factors for HBV infection (P<0.05), and history of drug injection was associated with HCV infection (P<0.05). Conclusions: This study shows a fairly higher prevalence of blood borne infections among prisoners and indicate drug abuse and phlebotomy as the associated risk factor.  

Keywords: Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Injecting Drug Users, Prison