Evaluation of viral hepatitis prevalence and associated risk factors in a state prison in India

Viral hepatitis is a major global health concern, especially in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Those incarcerated in prisons have been identified as important bridge populations because they engage in a variety of risk behaviours that predispose them to contracting and spreading viral hepatitis. There is a frequent transfer of prisoners from one jail to another within the state and there is high probability of transmission. There is an urgent need to assess the status and risk factors of viral hepatitis in prisons across Uttar Pradesh. This preliminary study assessed the prevalence and risk factors of viral hepatitis among 181 inmates in Gorakhpur, India. Blood samples were screened for HAV, HBV, HCV, and HEV markers. The overall percentage positivity of viral hepatitis in the inmates was found to be 11 % (95 % CI: 7 %-17 %). HEV was found to have the highest prevalence of 5 % (95 % CI:2 %-9 %) followed by HCV at 4.4 % (95 % CI: 2 %-9 %) and HBV at 2.2 % (95 % CI: 1 %-6 %). Significant associations were found with repeated incarceration, alcoholism, drug use, syringe sharing, and unsafe tattooing. Findings underscore the need for targeted interventions within prisons and inform planning for statewide surveillance. Insights from this study will be helpful in planning state/nationwide survey for viral hepatitis in prisons to know the real-time burden and may inform policy decisions under the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme. • Viral hepatitis is a major global health concern. • The commonest type was Hepatitis E (5 %), followed by Hepatitis C (4.4 %) and Hepatitis B (2.2 %) in inmates. • Advocate for targeted intervention test-and-treat approaches within prisoners to control viral hepatitis. • Imprisonments, alcoholism, drug addiction, syringe sharing, and tattooing identified as significant risk factors.