title: An evaluation of hepatitis C knowledge and correlations with health belief model constructs among African American "baby boomers".
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Baby boomers (people born between 1945 and 1965) are responsible for three-quarters of Hepatitis C (HCV) infections in the US; however, HCV testing is distinctly underused by them.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess the status, predictors, and correlates of HCV knowledge among African-American baby boomers (AABBs) in Washington, DC.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional survey among persons aged 46-69 was conducted using audio computer-assisted self-interviewing (ACASI). Data on HCV knowledge, socio-demographics, prior history of HCV testing, health-related characteristics, HCV vulnerability and HCV treatment perceptions were collected. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the study population. Pearson correlations were used to examine linear associations between HCV knowledge and Health Belief Model constructs related to HCV. Linear regression analysis was conducted to assess the predictors of knowledge.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Out of the 137 participants, about sixty percent (60.6%) were females, mean age 59±6.40; 44.8% had at least a college education. The average knowledge score was low (48.7%). HCV knowledge was significantly correlated with constructs of perceived severity and perceived benefits. Age (β=-0.10; p=0.003), and level of education (β=0.93, p=0.027) were significant predictors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Overall, respondents have a low level of knowledge. The lower level of education and older age were significant predictors of inadequate HCV knowledge. Thus, HCV education among these people may be a vital component in reducing the gaps in HCV knowledge.
authors.affiliation: College of Pharmacy, Howard University, 2300 4th St., NW Washington, DC 20059, USA. Electronic address: rashrash@chapman.edu.
authors.forename: Mohamed E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Rashrash
authors.affiliation: College of Pharmacy, Howard University, 2300 4th St., NW Washington, DC 20059, USA. Electronic address: mary.maneno@howard.edu.
authors.forename: Mary K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Maneno
authors.affiliation: College of Pharmacy, Howard University, 2300 4th St., NW Washington, DC 20059, USA. Electronic address: awutoh@howard.edu.
authors.forename: Anthony K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Wutoh
authors.affiliation: College of Pharmacy, Howard University, 2300 4th St., NW Washington, DC 20059, USA. Electronic address: earl.ettienne@howard.edu.
authors.forename: Earl B
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Ettienne
authors.affiliation: College of Pharmacy, Howard University, 2300 4th St., NW Washington, DC 20059, USA. Electronic address: mdaftary@Howard.edu.
authors.forename: Monika N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Daftary
mesh_terms: D001741:Black or African American; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004219:District of Columbia; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
keywords: Baby boomer; Health Belief Model; Hepatitis C; Knowledge