Knowledge of viral hepatitis among Puerto Rican adults: implications for prevention.
Although primary prevention of HAV and HBV can be achieved through vaccination, the burden of HCV can only be reduced through behavioral interventions to reduce its risk factors. This study evaluated knowledge regarding transmission, clinical manifestations and prevention of viral hepatitis in Puerto Rico. We assessed the level of knowledge about HAV (six questions), HBV (12 questions) and HCV (eight questions) among non-institutionalized Puerto Rican adults aged 21-64 years. Demographic characteristics and self-reported knowledge of these infections were determined through a face-to-face interview. A mean knowledge score was computed by summing correct responses to each scale. Mean knowledge scores according to demographics were compared using ANOVA or the Kruskal-Wallis test. Mean knowledge scores for HAV, HBV and HCV infections were 2.6 ± 1.5, 6.1 ± 2.4, and 3.6 ± 1.1, respectively. For HAV and HBV infections, the mean knowledge score significantly (P < 0.05) increased with age, level of counseling received and number of sources of information. However, for HCV infection the mean knowledge score significantly increased with decreasing age, increased educational level and increased annual family income. Contrary to HBV, a higher HAV and HCV knowledge score was observed among individuals with history of vaccination for HAV and HBV, seropositive status for HAV and HCV, and history of drug use. A sizeable proportion of adults in this study demonstrated an inadequate level of knowledge, especially about transmission routes. Health education must be focused on transmission and prevention methods, including the availability of a vaccine for HAV and HBV, especially among those with chronic liver disease.
UPR-MDACC Partnership for Excellence in Cancer Research Program, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, PMB 371 P.O. Box 70344, San Juan, PR 00936-8344, Puerto Rico. marievelisse.soto1@upr.edu
Marievelisse
M
Soto-Salgado
Erick
E
Suárez
Ana P
AP
Ortiz
Sandra
S
Adrovet
Edmir
E
Marrero
Marytere
M
Meléndez
Héctor M
HM
Colón
Carmen
C
Albizu
María
M
Del C Santos
Esther
E
Torres
Cynthia M
CM
Pérez
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011647:Puerto Rico; D012307:Risk Factors; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines