Abstract :
Background: Hepatitis C virus is a blood-borne virus where the most common modes of its
transmission are unsafe injection practices, inadequate sterilization of medical equipment, and
transfusion of unscreened blood and blood products. Approximately, 130–150 million people
globally are suffering from chronic hepatitis C infection. A significant number of these chronically
infected will develop liver cirrhosis or liver cancer subsequently. Approximately 500,000 people
die of hepatitis C related liver diseases every year. This study aimed to describe personal
characteristics, knowledge of respondents and to find out association of these factors with
perceptions about Hepatitis C. The study also aimed to focus on perceptions (perceived
susceptibility, severity and cues to action) of general population and finding association between
their perceptions and health-related behaviors.
Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in Layyah city situated in Punjab province. Total
of 423 male participants were selected through multistage sampling from general population of
district Layyah. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data.
Results: Out of 423 respondents, participants with the poor level of knowledge had right
perceptions about hepatitis C (16.8%). 82.7% of the respondents were aware about the availability
of hepatitis C treatment. Highest perceptions were observed in age group of 21-25 years old
(39.7%), unmarried (73.0%), Saraiki (58.2%) and unemployed population (45.9%). People with
less myth had the right perceptions about the hepatitis C.
Conclusion: Increasing age, unmarried status and ethnicity were associated with right perceptions
shown by respondents. Knowledge remained significant in showing association with perceptions
about hepatitis C. General population perceived their susceptibility, severity of consequences and
cues to actions were connecting them to show right perceptions overall. Relatives, colleagues and
TV were common source of information about hepatitis C respectively.
Keyword :
Hepatitis C, Myths, Misconceptions, Knowledge, Health Belief Model, Perceived susceptibility, Perceived severity, Cues to action