HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C in garbage scavengers of Karachi.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the seroprevalence of human immunodeficiency virus hepatitis B and C and to study the associated risk factors in garbage scavengers of Karachi. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was performed in a colony inhabited by low socioeconomic garbage-collecting people. Data was collected from April to December 2011. After informed consent and pre-test counselling a set of questions were asked from a questionnaire and 5cc of blood was drawn for pathological testing. SPSS 18 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 141 males agreed to participate in the study with a mean age of 21.33+/-9.28 years. Most of the respondents (n=67; 47.5%) were in the age group 11-20 years; 86 (61%) were single; 89 (63%) were illiterate and 127 (90%) had a monthly income less than Rs.10000. Prevalence of hepatitis B was 18.8% (n=22) followed by 8.5% (n=10) and 0.85% (n=1) of hepatitis C and HIV respectively. Besides 108 (77%) collected needles/syringes and 76 (54%) got pricked more than once. Only 23 (16%) wore gloves while collecting garbage. Overall 79 (56%) had a history of sexual contact; 18 (23%) had three or more partners. CONCLUSION: The important factors contributing to the high prevalence of hepatitis B and C were needle prick injuries bare-handed/bare-footed collection of garbage poor vaccination status improper garbage disposal system and the site of waste collection.