Journal of Infectious Diseases and Diagnosis

Abstract

Role of Cultural and Social Barriers in Increased Burden of Hepatitis B in Pakistan: Literature Review

Sumera Aziz Ali, Nadir Suhail and Savera Aziz Ali

Hepatitis B is a deadly infectious disease, which is increasing now days in Pakistan. This disease is also rooted in the poverty and illiteracy. There are huge discrepancies in health conditions between rural and urban areas and among different socio-economic strata, which have also played role in increasing the burden of this deadly disease. Furthermore, multiple social and cultural barriers are prevailing in the country which might have played an important role in increased burden of this disease in the society. Thus, it is important to review the literature on the burden in Pakistan and to study those social and cultural barriers causing rise in the burden of Hepatitis B. Thus, the objective of this review was to synthesize the findings regarding the burden of Hepatitis B in Pakistan and to review the social and cultural barriers, which have resulted in increased burden of the Hepatitis B in Pakistan. This would help Policy makers and Government of Pakistan to take some appropriate actions against the most common barriers, playing an important role in increased burden of the disease.