Awareness and Attitude Appraisal toward Hepatitis-C among North West Population of India- A Cross Sectional Study
Ravinder Garg *
Department of Medicine, GGS Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot, India.
Simmi Aggarwal
Department of Radio Diagnosis, GGS Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot, India.
Sarabjot Kaur
Department of Medicine, GGS Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot, India.
Parveen Bansal
University Centre of Excellence in Research, BFUHS, Faridkot, India.
Aril Bhatia
Department of Medicine, GGS Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Hepatitis C is increasingly found to be a significant etiological agent causing liver disease in India. Prevention is the best safeguard against this silent killer but a major obstacle has been the low awareness. Attitudes and awareness of general population can play a key role in prevention of spread of infection.
Aims: The objectives of the present survey were to assess the knowledge and attitudes of general population vis a vis risk factors, route of transmission, vaccination and treatment of Hepatitis-C virus (HCV).
Study Design: Cross-sectional questionnaire based study.
Place and Duration of Study: South west border region of Northern Indian State of Punjab from 2012-2014.
Methodology: This random survey was conducted in south west border region population of northern Indian state of Punjab.
Results: Overall, 24.2%, 29.2% and 46.6% respondents had good, fair and poor awareness levels respectively.
Conclusion: The study highlights and calls for a targeted and effective HCV awareness, by innovative means and on an emergency basis, to control the spread of this silent killer.
Keywords: Hepatitis C awareness, Farmer, HCV prevention, HCV transmission, Punjab