Awareness and Attitude Appraisal toward Hepatitis-C among North West Population of India- A Cross Sectional Study

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.