Burden and Demographic Profile of Liver Diseases in District Gujrat, Pakistan: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Liver diseases represent a major public health challenge in Pakistan, with hepatitis B and C accounting for most cases of chronic liver pathology and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite national elimination programs, district-level epidemiological data remain scarce, limiting targeted prevention and surveillance strategies. Objective: To describe the burden and demographic characteristics of liver disease patients in District Gujrat, Pakistan, including patterns of viral hepatitis, age–sex distribution, residence, and occupational associations. Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study analyzed data from 252 consecutive patients diagnosed with liver diseases between June and November 2024 at District General and Civil Hospitals, Gujrat. Variables included sex, age, marital and occupational status, rural or urban residence, industrial proximity, and hepatitis B or C seropositivity. Data were double-entered, validated, and analyzed using SPSS 26.0 for descriptive statistics and exploratory comparisons by sex and residence type. Results: Chronic hepatitis (44.4%) and cirrhosis (22.2%) were the most frequent diagnoses. The median age at diagnosis was 44 years (IQR 36–55) with near-equal sex distribution. Rural residents comprised 51.6% of cases, and 20.6% lived near industrial zones. Hepatitis C was predominant (55.6%), followed by hepatitis B (25.8%), without significant sex-based differences (p>0.05). Conclusion: Hepatitis C–driven liver disease predominates in Gujrat, affecting primarily middle-aged rural and industrial populations. District-level screening, vaccination, and occupational health interventions are essential to curb progression and transmission.