ABSTRACT... Objectives: The aim of the current study was to estimate the seroprevalence and risk factors investigation associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in general patients attending various public and private hospitals of Lahore metropolitan. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Out Patient Departments (OPDs) of public hospitals, comprising of Mayo Hospital, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Services Hospital, Jinnah Hospital and Lahore General Hospital of Lahore. Period: 2012.

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... aterial and Methods: A total of 904 patients from outpatient departments of five public and two private hospitals were enrolled during 2012. Blood samples were collected to evaluate their anti-HCV status using 3rd generation ELISA. To find out the risk factors associated with HCV infection, the data was collected on a pretested and validated questionnaire. Results: The seroprevalence was estimated to be 14.6%. Mean age of reactive and non-reactive general patients was significantly associated (P=0.012) with anti-HCV status. Marital status (OR=2.042), socioeconomic status, blood donation (OR=2.15), prescription by doctor or non-doctor (OR=2.664), route of drug administration, relatives having hepatitis and towel sharing (OR=1.987) were significantly associated (P<0.05) risk factors for HCV infection. Conclusion: The study reveals a higher prevalence of HCV infection in general patients of Lahore due to poor socioeconomic status, treatment by quacks, excessive use of injectable drugs, house hold contacts with hepatitis patients and lack of awareness about the HCV transmission. Article Citation: Akhtar AM, Majeed S, Jamil M, Rehman A. Prevalence of hepatitis c infection; general patients attending various hospitals of Lahore, Pakistan: a cross sectional study.