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

Abstract

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.