TO FIND OUT THE FREQUENCY OF HEPATITIS B SURFACE ANTIGEN POSITIVITY IN MOTIVATED PEOPLE OF JAMRUD TEHSIL KHYBER AGENCY

Objectives: To find out the frequency of hepatitis B surface antigen positivity in population living in Jamrud area of Khyber Agency. Material and Methods: This descriptive .study was conducted at Shakeel Health Center Jamrud Khyber Agency in collaboration with the department of Gastroenterology, PGMI, Hyatabad Medical Complex from June 2006 to December 2007 in Jamrud Tehsil Khyber Agency. After two weeks of awareness campaigns in the targeted area, free testing for hepatitis B surface antigen was arranged at Shakeel Health Center in collaboration with the department of Gastroenterology, PGMI, HMC. The screening method used was immunochromatographic method. Seronegative subjects were offered vaccination against HBV and all subjects were counseled regarding prevention of HBV infection. Results: During 18 months period 4180 people offered themselves to be screened for HBsAg. Of these 719 (17.20%) were found to be HBsAg positive. The male to female ratio was almost 1.03 :1. The most commonly affected age group is 20 - 40 years. Conclusion: The seroprevalence of HBsAg is 17.2% in the population living in Jamrud area of Khyber Agency.