TITLE:
Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Persons Infected with the Hepatitis B Virus on Their Own Disease
AUTHORS:
Arnaud Mongo-Onkouo, Ngala Akoa Itoua-Ngaporo, Clausina Philestine Ahoui Apendi, Jile Florent Mimiesse Monamou, Rody Ngami, Marlyse Ngalessami Mouakosso, Mardoché Motoula Latou, Deby Gassaye, Blaise Irénée Atipo Ibara, Jean-Rosaire Ibara
KEYWORDS:
Viral Hepatitis B, Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, Carriers Brazzaville
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Gastroenterology,
Vol.12 No.4,
April
29,
2022
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.