Assessing knowledge and practices related to hepatitis c among patients in a rural community in Pakistan
Keywords:
hepatitis C, rural community, cross-sectional study, prevention, PakistanAbstract
Background: Hepatitis C is a major global health problem, with a high disease burden in developing countries like Pakistan. Rural communities in Pakistan have limited awareness about hepatitis C transmission, prevention, and control. This study aimed to assess knowledge and practices related to hepatitis C among patients in the rural community of Lasi Goth, Gadap Town, Karachi. Material and Method: A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted among 150 adult patients (>18 years) with known hepatitis C infection in Lasi Goth. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire captured socio-demographic information, knowledge about hepatitis C (causative agent, symptoms, transmission), attitudes towards its prevention, and related practices. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: Of 150 participants, 55% were males and mean age was 25 years. Majority (69.3%) had heard about hepatitis C, with main sources being television (28.7%) and other people (38.7%). Knowledge regarding hepatitis C was low, with less than half aware of the causative agent (42%) and symptoms (41.3%). Around 55% knew it spreads person-to-person, mainly by blood transmission (38%), shared razors/brushes (4.7%), injection drug use (12%), mother to child transmission (18.7%), and sexual contact (26.7%). Most (76%) believed hepatitis C was preventable through screening blood (20%), avoiding sharing razors/brushes (37.3%), and infected persons not donating blood (24.7%). Only 18% reported their families were involved in prevention efforts. A high proportion (88%) were using anti-hepatitis C drugs and 54.7% received hepatitis B vaccination. Conclusion: Patients from the rural community had limited knowledge about hepatitis C transmission routes and prevention measures. Culturally appropriate educational campaigns are required to raise awareness in rural communities regarding risks, prevention strategies, and control of hepatitis C infection.
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