Knowledge attitudes and practices about Hepatitis B and C among young healthy males

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the basic knowledge, attitudes and practices about viral hepatitis B and hepatitis C among young healthy adults. Design: Cross sectional study Place and duration of study: Pathology department of CMH Sargodha from July 2006 to December 2006. Subjects and methods: A total of 2038 young healthy adults belonging to central Punjab were included in the study. A closed structured questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of the individuals. Results: A total of 602(30 74%) of respondents knew that hepatitis B and C are viral diseases Contaminated needles/syringes, blood transfusion and used blades were identified as a mode of transmission of hepatitis B and C viruses by 84.38%, 69 58%, 25.63 individuals. About 80% replied that even if they were found positive for HBsAg and anti-HCV, they would not have further investigations/ treatment. TV was the leading source of information about these diseases Conclusion: The attitudes and practices regarding exposure to risk factors were significantly poor from knowledge among young adults. A high level of public awareness, especially among the young, is critical to decrease the burden of these diseases in Pakistan in future.