HEPATITIS C AMONG YOUNG MALE OFFENDERS ADMITTED TO THE CENTRAL JAIL, LAHORE

Objectives: This study was designed to observe intraprison incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among young offenders admitted to the Central Jail, Lahore. Methodology: The evaluation was made incidence among 728 young inmates (aged 16 – 30 years) at the Central Jail, Lahore, between June 2009 and November 2009. Screening for Anti-HCV antibodies was performed on immunochromatographic devices and all positive and borderline cases were retested with ELISA system. Results: Among 728 participants, 129 demonstrated serologic evidence of HCV infection. Frequency was calculated 17.7%. Conclusions: The study indicates that HCV infection is highly prevalent among young male offenders and highlights the need to deliver awareness, prevention, and medical management to make them a healthy and useful citizen.