Awareness Of Hepatitis Research Articles

A cross-sectional survey on the rate of awareness of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and the prevention of mother-to-child transmission among hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive pregnant women.

BackgroundMother-to-child transmission (MTCT) remains the main transmission route of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in China. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive pregnant women were the main participants in MTCT of HBV. Nevertheless, little was known about their knowledge and awareness of HBV infection and MTCT. We intended to evaluate their knowledge of HBV infection and MTCT prevention, and to clarify the emphasis of health education to improve the control of MTCT of HBV.MethodsWe invited 164 HBsAg-positive pregnant women, who were aged ≥18 years old, had basic literacy skills and visited the Outpatient Clinic of Infectious Disease of the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital from May 2019 to January 2020, to independently and anonymously complete a self-administered survey regarding their knowledge of HBV infection and MTCT prevention. The correct rate of the questions was calculated and analyzed. A multivariate regression was conducted to identify predictors of HBV and MTCT knowledge and awareness.ResultsThe average awareness rate of the 164 respondents was 52.56%, among which the awareness rates of basic knowledge and the transmission route of HBV were 80.49% and 53.29%, respectively. The awareness rates of knowledge about the interruption measures of MTCT during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum were 43.78%, 49.75%, and 31.25%, respectively. The respondents who had a college education level or above, were employed, and had visited the outpatient Department of Infectious Disease before pregnancy had a significantly higher awareness rate. Previous visits to the Department of Infectious Disease were the only influencing factor for the higher awareness rate (OR =3.108, P=0.049).ConclusionsA lack of knowledge about the transmission route and interruption measures of MTCT of HBV is still common among HBsAg-positive pregnant women. Health education should be directed toward HBsAg-positive mothers to further improve the control of HBV infection.

Awareness of hepatitis B post-exposure prophylaxis among healthcare providers in Wakiso district, Central Uganda.

Healthcare providers (HCPs) are at an elevated occupational health risk of hepatitis B virus infections. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is one of the measures recommended to avert this risk. However, there is limited evidence of HCPs' awareness of hepatitis B PEP. Therefore, this study aimed to establish awareness of hepatitis B PEP among HCPs in Wakiso, a peri-urban district that surrounds Uganda's capital, Kampala. A total of 306 HCPs, selected from 55 healthcare facilities (HCFs) were interviewed using a validated structured questionnaire. The data were collected and entered using the Kobo Collect mobile application. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to establish the factors associated with awareness of hepatitis B PEP. Of the 306 HCPs, 93 (30.4%) had ever heard about hepatitis B PEP and 16 (5.2%) had ever attended training where they were taught about hepatitis B PEP. Only 10.8% were aware of any hepatitis B PEP options, with 19 (6.2%) and 14 (4.6%) mentioning hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and hepatitis B vaccine, respectively as PEP options. Individuals working in the maternity department were less likely to be aware of hepatitis B PEP (AOR = 0.10, 95% CI = 0.02-0.53). There was a positive association between working in a healthcare facility in an urban setting and awareness of hepatitis B PEP (AOR = 5.48, 95% CI = 1.42-21.20). Hepatitis B screening and vaccination were not associated with awareness of PEP. Only one-tenth of the HCPs were aware of any hepatitis B PEP option. Awareness of hepatitis B PEP is associated with the main department of work and working in a healthcare facility in an urban setting. This study suggests a need to sensitise HCPs, especially those in rural HCFs and maternity wards on hepatitis B PEP. The use of innovative strategies such as e-communication channels, including mobile text messaging might be paramount in bridging the awareness gap.

Predictors of Hepatitis B screening and vaccination status of young psychoactive substance users in informal settlements in Kampala, Uganda.

Young psychoactive substance users exhibit high-risk behaviours such as unprotected sexual intercourse, and sharing needles and syringes, which increases their risk of Hepatitis B infection. However, there is limited evidence of screening, and vaccination status of this subgroup. The aim of this study was to establish the predictors of screening and completion of the hepatitis B vaccination schedule. A cross-sectional study using respondent driven sampling was used to enrol respondents from twelve out of fifty-seven informal settlements in Kampala city. Data were collected using an electronic structured questionnaire uploaded on the KoboCollect mobile application, and analysed using Stata version 14. A "modified" Poisson regression analysis was done to determine the predictors of screening while logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of completion of the Hepatitis B vaccination schedule. About 13.3% (102/768) and 2.7% (21/768) of the respondents had ever screened for Hepatitis B, and completed the Hepatitis B vaccination schedule respectively. Being female (aPR 1.61, 95% CI: 1.11-2.33), earning a monthly income >USD 136 (aPR 1.78, 95% CI: 1.11-2.86); completion of the Hepatitis B vaccination schedule (aPR 1.85, 95% CI: 1.26-2.70); lack of awareness about the recommended Hepatitis B vaccine dose (aPR 0.43, 95% CI: 0.27-0.68); and the belief that the Hepatitis B vaccine is effective in preventing Hepatitis B infection (aPRR 3.67, 95% CI: 2.34-5.73) were associated with "ever screening" for Hepatitis B. Knowledge of the recommended Hepatitis B vaccine dose (aOR 0.06, 95% CI: 0.01-0.35); "ever screening" for hepatitis B (aOR 9.68, 95% CI: 2.17-43.16) and the belief that the hepatitis B vaccine is effective in preventing Hepatitis B infection (aOR 11.8, 95% CI: 1.13-110.14) were associated with completion of the hepatitis B vaccination schedule. Our findings indicate a low prevalence of Hepatitis B screening and completion of the Hepatitis B vaccination schedule among young psychoactive substance users in informal settings. It is evident that lack of awareness about Hepatitis B is associated with the low screening and vaccination rates. We recommend creation of awareness of Hepatitis B among young people in urban informal settlements.

Evaluation of knowledge attitude and practice towards hepatitis B and C infections and its impact among healthy volunteers in urban and rural areas of Kanyakumari District

Background: Viral hepatitis is an infection caused by hepatotropic viruses that causes liver inflammation and additional liver damage. Hepatotropic viruses come in a variety of forms. Hepatitis B and C are the most dangerous viruses that cause significant sickness in people. The purpose of this study was to determine the public's understanding of Hepatitis B and C infection, as well as their attitudes regarding Hepatitis B and C illness and the importance of Hepatitis vaccination.Methodology: This study used a standardised questionnaire to survey healthy volunteers from Kanyakumari's urban and rural areas about their knowledge, attitudes, and practises about Hepatitis B and C infection and immunisation.Result: In our study, 218 healthy volunteers from Kanyakumari district's urban and rural areas participated, with 89 percent of the urban population and 75 percent of the rural population having strong awareness of hepatitis B and C infection, transmission, and prevention.

Advanced sequencing approaches detected insertions of viral and human origin in the viral genome of chronic hepatitis E virus patients

The awareness of hepatitis E virus (HEV) increased significantly in the last decade due to its unexpectedly high prevalence in high-income countries. There, infections with HEV-genotype 3 (HEV-3) are predominant which can progress to chronicity in immunocompromised individuals. Persistent infection and antiviral therapy can select HEV-3 variants; however, the spectrum and occurrence of HEV-3 variants is underreported. To gain in-depth insights into the viral population and to perform detailed characterization of viral genomes, we used a new approach combining long-range PCR with next-generation and third-generation sequencing which allowed near full-length sequencing of HEV-3 genomes. Furthermore, we developed a targeted ultra-deep sequencing approach to assess the dynamics of clinically relevant mutations in the RdRp-region and to detect insertions in the HVR-domain in the HEV genomes. Using this new approach, we not only identified several insertions of human (AHNAK, RPL18) and viral origin (RdRp-derived) in the HVR-region isolated from an exemplary sample but detected a variant containing two different insertions simultaneously (AHNAK- and RdRp-derived). This finding is the first HEV-variant recognized as such showing various insertions in the HVR-domain. Thus, this molecular approach will add incrementally to our current knowledge of the HEV-genome organization and pathogenesis in chronic hepatitis E.

Assessment of hepatitis B knowledge and awareness among the Sudanese population in Khartoum State.

Introductionglobally it is estimated that majority of the burden of hepatitis B virus infection is in sub-Saharan African countries (SSA). Africa is also hit by a dreadful complication of hepatocellular carcinoma and sequalae of end-stage liver disease. Despite this, the knowledge and awareness of the population to this silent killer is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B virus among the general population within Sudan to understand the misconceptions and provide a better direction toward the disease elimination goals.Methodsa community-based study was carried out in three locations in Khartoum state during a community hepatitis awareness campaign, where participants were provided education, screening, and vaccine. Data were collected after proper consent was obtained from the respective Institutional Review Board (IRB) office. Basic demographic characteristics, knowledge assessment questions, and awareness were used, which are derived from standard questionnaire. Finally, basic descriptive statistics were undergone to assess the knowledge and awareness of the participants.Resultsthe study has shown that self-reported hepatitis B among the participants was 9.6%. There are areas of hepatitis B misconception in knowledge and awareness related to transmission, modes of prevention and disease state. We have also noticed that prior vaccine coverage was low among the groups, which is also another major concern.Conclusionthe prevalence of hepatitis B from these randomly selected population groups is high. There is also lower vaccine coverage and many misconceptions in knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B. Policymakers should consider these issues seriously to improve the gaps in hepatitis B.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Persons Infected with the Hepatitis B Virus on Their Own Disease

Introduction: Viral hepatitis B is a communicable disease that is preventable by vaccination. Knowledge of transmission routes and prevention methods could play a key role in limiting and reducing the spread of the disease. Aim: This was a prospective study that was carried out from July 1 to September 30, 2018 in the department of gastroenterology and internal medicine in people carrying the hepatitis B virus. All patients were asked about their knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding viral hepatitis B. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, collecting prospective data, which was carried out from July 1 to September 30, 2018 in the gastroenterology department of CHUB (University Hospital of Brazzaville). Eligible for the study were all patients who consulted or were followed in the ward for HBV infection during the study period. All patients were asked about their knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding viral hepatitis B. After obtaining informed consent, we asked patients about knowledge, attitudes and practices towards the hepatitis B virus. The data was collected on a pre-established survey sheet respecting anonymity and confidentiality. CSPro 7 software and SPSS 17 software were used for data entry and analysis. Chi-square was used to compare the percentages. These were expressed with their 95% confidence intervals [95% CI]. A value of p 0.005 was considered significant. Results: Forty-two patients were included in the study, these were 66.7% (n = 28) men and 33.3% (n = 14) women. The average age was 38.76 ± 10.9 years. 45.2% of them (n = 19) were single and 59.5% (n = 25) had the next highest level of education. Thirty-nine patients had no knowledge of the source of their contamination; the sexual route was the most cited (61.9%). Alcohol consumption was rated badly by 38 patients (90.5%); of these 22 (52.4%) thought it worsened the disease. Lack of knowledge of an HBV carrier in the family was noted in 33 (78.6%) patients; 20 (47.6%) patients did not talk about their illness in their entourage or family because of the risk of stigma. Only 19% (n = 8) of patients will have their children vaccinated. The existence of a vaccine was known by 31 patients; the condom was the means of prevention cited by 21 patients. Those who were aware of the existence of a treatment were 33. Sexual abstinence was observed by seven patients. The doctor was the source of information for 22 patients. High level of education and male gender were associated with a good knowledge of prevention and treatment. Conclusion: The knowledge of patients carrying the hepatitis B virus is incomplete. Their attitudes and practices do not reduce the spread of the disease. Strengthening public awareness of viral hepatitis is necessary.

Assessment of knowledge, awareness and acceptance of hepatitis B infection and its vaccination among dental students in metro city of western Maharashtra

Introduction: Hepatitis B infection is a potentially life-threatening liver infection caused by hepatitis B virus. It is considered as an important occupational hazard for dentists as they are at a greater risk of exposure to the virus from an infected patient. The present aim of the study is to evaluate knowledge, awareness and vaccination status on hepatitis B among dental students.Materials and Methods: A questionnaire study was conducted among dental students. The data was collected by a structured, self-administered and pre-tested questionnaire and analyzed. The statistical analysis was done using descriptive statistics.Results: In this study, there were a total of 150 participants between 18-35 years of age. 64% of the students were aware about different modes of transmission of hepatitis B. 96.6% of the students were aware of hepatitis B vaccine but only 53.3% had the knowledge about vaccination dosing schedule for adults. 70.7% dental students were vaccinated whereas 18% students were non-vaccinated. Among those, 38.6% of the students were partially vaccinated.Conclusion: Knowledge and awareness regarding Hepatitis B infection and its vaccination was satisfactory. Majority of the dental students were either fully or partially vaccinated. Therefore, the dental students must be encouraged to not only take the vaccination but also to complete their doses during their clinical practices.

Trend of HBsAg Seroprevalence Among Blood Donors in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital: A Five-Year Retrospective Study

World Health Organization (WHO) classified Nigeria as a hyper-endemic hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive nation with prevalence ≥ 8%. This study intends to add information that could strengthen established database to improve awareness and prevention of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. We aimed to evaluate seroprevalence and trend of HBsAg among blood donors in Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria over a five-year period. Data from records of 7,102 individuals aged ≥ 20 years old who donated blood to blood bank in this hospital from January 2012 to December 2016 were analysed for gender, age, number of donors per year and HBsAg status. Data analysis was done with Statistical Package for Social Sciences software. P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Males were in the majority (6,547 [92.2%]). Age 30–39 years old was the major group (3,052 [43.0%]). Pooled HBsAg seroprevalence was 486 (6.8%). Females had the highest HBsAg seroprevalence across board with highest rate of 10 (19.6%) in year 2012 and pooled prevalence of 73 (13.2%). Age group of ≥ 50 years old had highest HBsAg seroprevalence 39 (8.5%) while age group of 20–29 years old had least 128 (5.8%). Stratified HBsAg positivity decreased steadily from year 2012 to year 2016. This location was HBV intermediate-endemic. There were age, gender and yearly seroprevalence of HBsAg related trends which could be leveraged upon in finding effective preventive measures against the disease. We recommend mass vaccination by government against HBV infection in addition to provision of sensitive blood investigational equipment.

Nationwide awareness-raising program for viral hepatitis in Japan: the "Shitte kan-en" project.

Chronic viral hepatitis is one of the most widespread infectious diseases in Japan. In the 2009 financial year, the Japanese government enacted the Basic Act on Hepatitis Measures, followed by the Basic Guidelines for Promotion of Control Measures for Hepatitis 2 years later. The guidelines emphasize the importance of provision and dissemination of accurate information on viral hepatitis and public awareness-raising. A subsidy program on hepatitis was therefore launched by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in 2011, called "Shitte kan-en" (in English, "Let's learn about hepatitis"), and involves popular Japanese actors and singers. The project started awareness-raising activities in the 2013 financial year, as the "National Campaign Project for Hepatitis Measures". It aims to communicate concise and accurate information about hepatitis and the necessity of testing for viral hepatitis. It also encourages citizens to take a positive approach to early detection and treatment. To date, the main initiatives of the project are as follows: i) celebrity visits to prefectural governors to draw attention to the condition, ii) educational events in cooperation with hepatologists in regional core hospitals, iii) support for partner companies' hepatitis awareness activities in workplaces, and iv) support for the activities of program promoters. Targeting approaches to particular groups is likely to be key to success for general awareness-raising. Evaluation of the effectiveness of this multifaceted approach is warranted to reduce the undiagnosed population and improve the link between testing and care for viral hepatitis in Japan.

ABC Epatite Web App: raising health awareness in a mobile world.

This paper presents the case study of a health campaign for mobile devices launched in Italy in 2019 aimed at raising viral hepatitis awareness. The research project "ABC epatite. Sviluppo di una app per la prevenzione delle epatiti virali e per la consapevolezza dei comportamenti a rischio", winner of the 2018 Digital Health Program of Gilead Italia, was carried out by the Italian National Research Council. The project entailed the development of a free Italian language Progressive Web App (PWA) providing current and scientifically validated information on viral hepatitis (A, B and C). A mobile first PWA health awareness app was implemented (https://epatite.web.app) together with an Android app version. Diversified landing pages cater to two target audiences: general public and schools. An initial campaign was directed toward engaging schools in nine Italian regions. Preliminary results based on the campaign directed toward Italian schools in just under half of its regions have shown promise on the feasibility of reaching large audiences and encouraging engagement on viral hepatitis prevention. A mobile first approach to health communication is a cost-effective way to help reaching the goal of eradicating viral hepatitis by reducing infections and deaths.

Knowledge and attitude of dental students toward hepatitis B virus and its vaccination - A cross-sectional study.

Objectives:To estimate the awareness of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and coverage of hepatitis B vaccination among dental students enrolled in dental colleges located in Andhra Pradesh.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted using a prestructured questionnaire to find out the awareness of HBV and coverage of hepatitis B vaccine among dental students.Results:A total of 2780 dental students were approached to participate in the study but only 2701 (97.1%) students (M = 900, F = 1801) gave response. Out of the total 2701 students, 79.45% were aware of HBV infection and only 51.50% of the participants received hepatitis B vaccine. 20.5% have come across HBV infected patients and 59.5% are unaware of postexposure protocol. Of all, 63.9%, 21.5% and 42% felt the mode of transmission is blood, sexual contact and oral fluids, respectively. 49.12% recommended for awareness programs on risks in HBV; 56.46% suggested mandatory Hepatitis B vaccination programs in dental colleges.Conclusions:Despite the availability and accessibility of a cost-effective hepatitis B vaccine, the vaccination coverage among dental students was low. Health education needs to be improved for all health care students especially for dental students.

Hepatitis B and Liver Cancer: Community Awareness, Knowledge and Beliefs of Middle Eastern Migrants in Sydney, Australia.

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a significant global health challenge given an increasing morbidity and inadequate public health response, Migrant populations are primarily affected by CHB in industrialised countries, and while more than 7% of Australians with CHB were born in Africa or the Middle East, little is known of their awareness or knowledge of viral hepatitis and its impact. This qualitative study, using semi-structured interviews with Assyrian and Arabic community leaders and focus groups (FG) with 66 community members sought to identify hepatitis and liver cancer knowledge and awareness among local Arabic and Assyrian-speaking communities in Western Sydney. Interviews were thematically analysed, with findings framing the topics for the FGs which were analysed using a framework analysis. Themes identified across both methods included limited awareness or knowledge of viral hepatitis or liver cancer, stigma associated with both conditions, variable levels of health literacy and trust in medical practitioners, and fear that receiving “bad news” would deter people from seeking care. Preferred sources of health information were family doctors, family members, the internet and the ethnic media. The study gave valuable information for the design of an educational program and provided useful information for the planning of culturally appropriate hepatitis screening and treatment services for these communities.

Evaluation of testing and vaccination status of healthcare workers in Turkey for hepatitis A: A multicenter study.

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of the disease and testing and vaccination status of healthcare workers in terms of hepatitis A infection as well as their awareness. This study is a multicenter descriptive study performed with healthcare workers. Testing status for hepatitis A, awareness of the results and vaccination status of healthcare workers were compared. Of the 12,476 healthcare workers participating in the study, only 65% (8,115 healthcare workers) had awareness of hepatitis A test results. Of the participants, 6,481 (66.3 %) stated that they were not vaccinated against hepatitis A. Vaccination rates against hepatitis A decreased with increasing age (P < .01). The rates of vaccination in all departments where participants worked were above 60% (P < .05). While the rate of protection among those working in departments creating a risk for hepatitis A virus infection was higher, no difference among vaccination rates was observed compared with the other departments. Vaccination of seronegative individuals is the safest way for hepatitis A, which can progress to fulminant hepatitis at advanced ages. It must be aimed primarily to increase the awareness of healthcare professionals and to increase the vaccination rates for hepatitis B and hepatitis A for the prevention of viral hepatitis. In our study, the awareness level was found to be above 50%, and the vaccination level was 35%, which is a rate that must be increased.

Awareness and accessibility of Hepatitis B vaccination among undergraduate clinical students of a tertiary institution in South Eastern Nigeria

Hepatitis B virus Infection is a chronic Infection with increasing incidence and worldwide prevalence. It is a leading cause of liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma. Healthcare personal, chronic blood transfusion, unprotected sex, etc are some major risk factor of contracting the disease. It can be prevented by vaccination. This study was carried out among undergraduate Clinical students of college of Health Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (CHS-NAU), Nnewi it was a cross-sectional descriptive study using the convenience sampling method. Pretested self-administered questionnaires were distributed and the data analyzed using the statistical package for social science (SPSS) Version 20.0. A total of 178 questionnaires were distributed with a response rate of 100% (178). The study showed a high level of knowledge of HBV vaccination and consider attitude towards the need for vaccination but poor compliance to update due to busy schedule, cost, and level of study. HBV vaccination is low among the students of a CHS-NAU as in other parts of Nigeria and Africa with similar reasons. Good Policy enactment and implementation can help bridge the gap between the awareness, attitude and accessibility of vaccine.

Awareness and vaccination status of Hepatitis B among health care workers in a tertiary care teaching hospital of Central India

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at high risk for Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. This study aimed to assess awareness about HBV and its vaccination status among HCWs working in our hospital. Randomly selectedHCWs, with equal representation from 5 different groups, viz. consultants, resident doctors, nurses, technicians and house-keeping staff were included. Pre-validated questionnaires, focused on testing elementary knowledge about the virus and its vaccine, were used. HBV vaccination coverage was assessed through personal interview and review of records, if available, and reasons for incomplete vaccination or no vaccination were recorded. Among the 150 HCWs recruited, significant difference in knowledge of HBV and its vaccination was observed among the different strata of HCWs. While consultants were best informed about the virus and the vaccine, awareness was generally poor among the housekeeping staff. Though majority of HCWs (62.67%) reported receiving all 3 doses of HBV vaccine, documentation of the same was maintained by only 30.67% of the participants. The main reason for incomplete vaccination was the long time gap between the doses (40%), while the main reason for not getting vaccinated was lack of awareness about its need (28%). Our study identifies the gap areas in achieving the goal of 100% coverage of HBV vaccination among HCWs. We find that attitudinal changes and sustained awareness campaigns are input to achieving this goal even when employer-mandated supplies are available in the hospital. Maintenance of documentation of vaccination and estimation of anti-HBs titers are other deficient practices that need to be implemented in hospitals.

Lack of awareness of Hepatitis B screening and vaccination in high-risk groups

Background/aim Hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination rates are insufficient in high-risk patients worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the screening, immunization, and vaccination rates in three high-risk groups for HBV infection: allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT), renal transplantation (RT), and chronic hepatitis C (CHC) groups. Materials and methods The serological data of consecutive patients between 2014 and 2019 were reviewed using the hospital database. Results The HBV screening rates were 100.0%, 90.4%, and 82.4% in the AHSCT, CHC, and RT groups, respectively (p = 0.003). The immunization rates against HBV through either previous exposure or vaccination were 79.5%, 71.7%, and 46.5% in the AHSCT, RT, and CHC groups, respectively (p < 0.001). The HBV vaccination rate was significantly low in the CHC group (71.5%, 69.0%, 34.6% in the AHSCT, RT, and CHC groups, respectively, p < 0.001). If patients lost their immunity due to immunosuppressive therapy were accounted, the vaccination rates increased to 95.2% in the AHSCT group and 72.9% in the RT group. The rate of annual screening for HBV status was 97.9% in the AHSCT group, but it was only 23.9% in the RT group. Conclusion HBV screening and vaccination rates were significantly lower in the RT and CHC groups than in the AHSCT group.

Disparities in Awareness of Hepatitis C Virus Among US Adults: An Analysis of the 2019 Health Information National Trends Survey.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force updated hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening 2020 guidelines to target adults aged 18 to 79 years: a major shift from the prior focus on high-risk populations ("baby boomers" aged ≥55 years as of 2019). To inform efforts to maximize HCV screening coverage, our objective was to identify demographic groups reporting a lack of HCV awareness, particularly by race/ethnicity and age, and sources of health information. We used nationally representative data of adults (≥18 years) included in the 2019 Health Information National Trends Survey (n = 5438). Awareness of HCV was defined using the following question: "Have you ever heard of the hepatitis C virus (also known as Hep C or HCV)?" We estimated frequencies by demographic groups and computed risk differences (RDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to compare lack of HCV awareness by age (<55 and ≥55 years) and race/ethnicity. Overall, 17% of adults never heard of HCV. Younger adults (<55 years; 21%) were more likely to have never heard of HCV compared with older adults (≥55 years; 12%; χ2P < 0.001). This observation was consistent across most demographic characteristics including, racial/ethnic categories, and residing in the Southern United States. More than one-third of adults with low English fluency had a lack of HCV awareness in both age groups (χ2P = 0.537). Non-Hispanic (NH) Asian (RD, 25%; 95% CI, 6.9%-43.3%) and Hispanic (RD, 10%; 95% CI, 0.01%-19.6%) adults younger than 55 years were significantly more likely to have never heard of HCV compared with their NH White counterparts after adjustment for sex, educational level, household income, English fluency, and having a regular provider. Adults younger than 55 years with a lack of HCV awareness commonly obtained their health information from the Internet across most sociodemographic characteristics. Hispanic and NH Asian young adults should be targeted for public health messaging regarding HCV screening, potentially through social media campaigns.

Concordance between self-reported and current hepatitis C virus infection status in a sample of people who inject drugs in Sydney and Canberra, Australia.

Awareness of hepatitis C virus (HCV) status among people who inject drugs is critical to ensure linkage to care and reduce transmission risk. Testing pathways, confusion about results and possible reinfection raise potential for discordance between perceived and actual HCV status among people who inject drugs. We evaluated self-reported and serologically confirmed HCV status concordance among a sample of Australian people who inject drugs. Data were collected in May-June 2018 from participants in Canberra and Sydney, Australia, who had injected drugs at least monthly in the past 6 months. Participants completed a structured interview assessing self-reported HCV status and provided a dried blood spot sample for HCV RNA testing. Of 103 participants, 95% self-reported ever receiving antibody testing, 58% of whom reported having received RNA testing. Seventy-three percent of participants reported never having been told that they had HCV, 18% reported current infection and 9% did not know their current status. According to dried blood spot RNA testing, 20% were currently infected. Over a quarter of the sample (28%, n=29) did not accurately report their HCV status, half of whom were unaware of a current infection. With over one-quarter of the sample in our study not accurately reporting their current HCV status, our findings reinforce the importance of regular testing for active infection, and the need for improved health literacy on HCV antibody and RNA test results, HCV status post-treatment and reinfection risk.

Awareness and Knowledge of Nurses towards Hepatitis B Virus Infection at a Tertiary Hospital in Selangor, Malaysia

Hepatitis B is a well-recognized occupational risk for healthcare workers. This self-administered questionnaire study was designed to assess awareness and knowledge towards hepatitis B virus infection among 140 nurses at Serdang Hospital, Selangor, Malaysia from the period of 1st April to 30th September 2017. The response rate was 97.2% (n = 140/144). A total of 71.4% of participants showed adequate awareness of hepatitis B. Most participants had heard hepatitis B with the predominant sources receiving from friends, media and education. Majority of them did serology blood test of hepatitis B before. A total of 84.3% of participants were aware of vaccine available for hepatitis B, although 78.6% got vaccinated in the past. Antiviral treatment of hepatitis B was not well noticed by most of them. Education qualification determines the awareness of hepatitis B. Regarding the knowledge, 73.6% of participants showed poor knowledge of hepatitis B. Most participants understood that hepatitis B was caused by a virus infection and the organ most affected was the liver. Surprisingly, 77.9% of them failed to recognize that cancer could be caused by hepatitis B. Majority of participants were aware that transmission of hepatitis B could be mediated via sexual intercourse, as well as childbirth. Nevertheless, 14.3% of them believed that hepatitis B was able to spread by cough and sneeze. Older age, Chinese ethnicity, and having high educational qualification were factors leading to adequate knowledge of hepatitis B. Additional attention should be emphasized to strengthen knowledge towards hepatitis B among nurses and perhaps other healthcare workers in Malaysia.