Perceptions and attitudes on hepatitis C

Abstract

Perception and attitudes on hepatitis C in Ürümqi, China Abstract Degree project, programme in medicine, 2016 Fredrik Askeroth, Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Infectious diseases, Sahlgrenska academy, University of Gothenburg Supervisors: PhD MD Åsa Alsiö, PhD Rena Maimaiti Background Hepatitis C (HCV) is the fourth most common infectious disease an d a major public health issue, estimated to affect 13-25 million people in China. To improve the situation, it has been suggested that overall knowledge and awareness about HCV needs to increase, although little is known about perception and attitudes on HCV in China. Aim This study intended to evaluate perception and attitudes on hepatitis C, to deepen the understanding of factors that influence HCV management in Ürümqi, China. Method A total of 120 questionnaires and 8 interviews were conducted at the Department of Infectious Diseases at First Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University, Ürümqi, China between 20160301- 20160415. Questionnaires were distributed to patients and interviews were conducted with HCV-patients, nurses and physicians at the study location. Results 70.3% of the respondents indicated knowledge on that HCV is a blood borne disease, 88.3% that it affects the liver, 45.4% that HCV infection can be asymptomatic and 64.4% that the infection can lead to cancer. 33,9% felt that people with HCV diagnosis are discriminated. Interviews exampled ways HCV infected experience discrimination and misconceptions about HCV. Conclusion Despite many of the respondents were knowledgeable about the true nature of HCV, this study found that there are misperceptions regarding transmission routes and course of infection. These misperceptions affect a sound awareness about HCV and attitudes towards people living with HCV. Apart from maintaining discrimination, impairing quality of life for those living with the infection, it may also affect care seeking behaviour keeping people from getting tested and discover the disease at an early stage- issues that needs to be addressed in order to achieve a successful management of HCV in China. Keywords Hepatitis C, Perception, Attitudes, Discrimination