Trends in Hepatitis C Virus Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors among MSM in Pakistan: Insights from a Community-Based Study

Abstract

AbstractThis community-based cross-sectional study investigates the seroprevalence of the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and its associated demographic and behavioral risk factors among the men who have sex with men (MSM) in Pakistan. The study reveals an HCV seroprevalence of 14.86%, significantly higher than global averages for the MSM population. Notably, HCV seroprevalence was associated with age, education level, self-identified sexual orientation, and self-reported HIV status. Furthermore, the study identified several risk factors positively associated with HCV seroprevalence, including sharing personal items such as razors and toothbrushes, histories of surgery, blood transfusion, dental procedures, intravenous drug use, and therapeutic injection histories. Interestingly, a lower HCV positivity rate was observed among self-reported HIV-positive individuals, contradicting previous research. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive, targeted prevention strategies tailored to the MSM population in Pakistan. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and to understand better the complex interplay of factors contributing to HCV seroprevalence in this high-risk population.