EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF HEPATITIS-B IN BAJAUR: A REMOTE TRIBAL DISTRICT OF EX-FATA, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHEWA, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Viral hepatitis, particularly hepatitis-B and C, represents a major global public health concern. Pakistan bears one of the highest burdens worldwide, with significant morbidity and mortality resulting from chronic infections, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, reliable national level estimates of prevalence and associated risk factors remain limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hepatitis-B in the general population of District Bajaur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, and to assess its distribution across tehsils and genders. The research data were collected from the District Hospitals of Bajaur between March and June, 2022. A total of 260 individuals were surveyed using structured questionnaires based on patient age, gender, family history, and the blood samples were analyzed for hepatitis-B infection. Among participants, 190 (73.07%) were male and 70 (26.92%) were female. The prevalence of hepatitis-B was 6.92% in males and 0.38% in females. Hepatitis-C prevalence was 4.23% in males and 3.07% in females, while hepatitis-E was detected in 0.38% of both sexes such as male and female. Tehsil-wise active cases were distributed such as Tehsil Mamund is high active cases (4.5%), followed by Nawagai (1.2%), Barang (1.15%), Khar (1.15%), Salarzai (0.3%), Utman Khel (0.76%), and Chamarkand (0.76%). The findings indicate that hepatitis-C is more prevalent than hepatitis-B in District Bajaur. These results highlight the need for strengthened surveillance, awareness campaigns, and preventive strategies to control the growing burden of viral hepatitis in the region. We recommend that public health campaigns are needed to raise awareness about safe medical practices, vaccination, and preventive measures, especially in rural, and underserved areas.