Knowledge and Awareness Regarding Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Human Immunodeficiency Viruses Among College Students: A Report From Iran

Hepatitis B screening and knowledge among Chinese and Vietnamese students in Australia

Research has shown that there are significant gaps in hepatitis B knowledge among migrant communities who are at risk of hepatitis B, such as Chinese and Vietnamese communities. Many students studying within Australia come from countries with high prevalence of hepatitis B. However, there is very little research examining hepatitis B knowledge, screening, or vaccination among university students in Australia or worldwide. The aim of this paper was to measure both levels of and demographic differences in hepatitis B screening and knowledge among Chinese and Vietnamese students in Australia. Online surveys were completed by 112 Chinese- and 95 Vietnamese-identifying students in Australia, measuring knowledge of hepatitis B, engagement in screening and vaccination, and demographic characteristics. Results show that although engagement in screening and vaccination for hepatitis B was high, there were significant gaps in knowledge around transmission of hepatitis B. There were also some key demographic differences in screening and knowledge. For instance, those born in Australia were more likely to have been screened compared to those born Mainland China, Hong Kong, or Vietnam. Chinese students born in Australia had lower levels of knowledge compared to those born in Mainland China or Hong Kong. Among both samples, knowing someone living with hepatitis B was associated with higher levels of knowledge. Findings underscore the need for education-based interventions to address the significant gaps that exist in knowledge around hepatitis B, with a specific need for culturally appropriate resources in a range of languages to cater to the diverse communities who may be at risk of hepatitis B.

Awareness of Hepatitis C Among the General Population of Riyadh, KSA, in 2023: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Hepatitis C, a highly contagious viral infection transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, poses a significant threat to public health owing to its potential to induce extensive liver damage, leading to the development of life-threatening conditions such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, commonly known as liver cancer. Objective This cross-sectional study aims to assess the level of awareness of hepatitis C among the general population in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methodology The study was conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A national cross-sectional survey was conducted using a predesigned self-administered validated electronic questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed electronically to the general population from April to September 2023. Results Out of the 800 participants, most were females (472, 59%), and the largest age group was between 23 and 29 years old (305, 38.1%). Saudi Arabians constituted the highest proportion of participants (609, 76.1%), and most participants were single (437, 54.6%). In terms of occupational status, 288 (36%) worked in occupations not listed. The study found that 463 (57.9%) participants had a low level of awareness about the global prevalence of hepatitis C. Additionally, 489 (61.1%) were aware that hepatitis C can cause both acute and chronic hepatitis, and 441 (55.1%) knew that most infected patients may develop chronic hepatitis. A majority (484, 60.5%) were aware of the importance of washing with soap and water after an accidental needle stick injury. Most participants (574, 71.8%) were aware of the common modes of hepatitis C transmission, such as unsterilized instruments, needle stick injuries, and sharing contaminated needles during drug use. Furthermore, 548 (73%) were aware of the transmission risk through unscreened blood transfusion, and 561 (70.1%) were aware of the higher risk of infection for individuals with multiple sexual partners. Conclusion The study highlights a low level of awareness among participants regarding the treatment and prevention of hepatitis C. To address the low level of awareness regarding the treatment and prevention of hepatitis C, targeted strategies and interventions are needed. This includes the development and implementation of public awareness campaigns, creation of informative educational materials, specialized training programs for healthcare professionals, establishment of support groups and counseling services for individuals living with hepatitis C, and continued support for research efforts and knowledge dissemination. By increasing awareness about hepatitis C, its treatment, and prevention, we can improve outcomes for individuals affected by the disease and reduce its overall burden on communities.

Knowledge about Hepatitis E and Influencing Factors among Residents in Qingdao: a Cross-Sectional Study

Hepatitis E infection poses a serious health problem in developing countries. Hepatitis E vaccination is important for prevention, but it is influenced by residents' knowledge. Qingdao residents' knowledge of hepatitis E remains unknown. This study used an online survey on the WeChat platform. The chi-square test was used to compare the hepatitis E influencing factors between the subgroups. Binary logistic regression was used for multiple factor analysis to explore the hepatitis E influencing factors. The total awareness rate of hepatitis E was 60.51%. Females aged between 51 and 60, aged 61 and above, and working in government-affiliated departments were found to have higher awareness rates than other subgroups. Participants with family members infected with hepatitis E had a lower awareness rate. The government and relevant departments should focus on education regarding the hepatitis E vaccination and disease process.

Knowledge and Perceptions of Chinese Female College Students Towards HIV/AIDS: A Qualitative Analysis

Objective

This study aims to explore knowledge and perceptions of Chinese female college students towards HIV/AIDS.

Design Method Participants and Setting

A purposive sampling method was used to recruit participants. Twenty female participants studying at a college located in Chongqing, Southwest China, were involved in the study. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. The face-to-face interview data were recorded and analyzed using the method of qualitative inductive content analysis.

Results

Five themes were identified from the data of transcribed interviews: HIV transmission routes (sexual transmission; blood transmission; mother-to-child transmission), sources of HIV/AIDS knowledge (education; mass media), AIDS prevention measures (avoiding sexual activity; establishing sense of self-protection; avoiding blood contact), attitudes towards PLWHA (treating all PLWHA equally; showing sympathy for the innocent PLWHA; discriminating against the immoral PLWHA), and suggested solutions to combat AIDS (assistance provided by governments; what health professionals can contribute; mobilization of social power; university intervention).

Conclusion

More efforts should be made to strengthen the HIV/AIDS education for female college students of non-medical majors in Southwest China. Accurate knowledge of HIV/AIDS and the right attitudes towards people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) should be the foci of HIV/AIDS education for this population. In order to better cater future sex education in colleges to the requirements of female college students, educators and lawmakers may benefit from gaining a deeper grasp of their perspectives on HIV/AIDS.

Analysis of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Hepatitis B Among Freshmen in Jiangsu Based on Lasso-Logistic Regression and Structural Equation Model

Objective

We aimed to describe the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) status of hepatitis B virus (HBV) among freshmen who were in the class of 2020 and from Jiangsu Province.

Methods

A random multistage sampling had been used to screen freshmen to conduct online questionnaire. The chi-square test was applied for pairwise comparison between sub-groups. Lasso regression and logistic regression were used to analyze the influencing factors of KAP about HBV. A structural equation model was established to explore the relationships among KAP of HBV.

Results

The total awareness rate of HBV among freshmen was 63.1%. More than 50% of freshmen reported that they were not willing to live with hepatitis B carriers. Only 51.0% of students had been immunized against HBV. The knowledge of HBV among students whose fathers had college/bachelor degree or above was 1.464 times higher than those whose fathers’ education level was junior high school or below (95% CI = 1.277~1.677). Both of positive attitude and behavior among female students were 1.424 times (95% CI = 1.329~1.525) and 1.468 times (95% CI = 1.291~1.669) than that within male students, respectively. The positive behaviors of students whose mothers had college education or above were 1.347 times higher than those whose mothers had the degree of junior high or below (95% CI = 1.147~1.582). Students who living with their parents were 1.167 times likely to have positive behaviors than those who living in other methods (95% CI = 1.020~1.334). The structural equation model had shown that the direct effect of knowledge on preventive motivation, attitude and behavior was 0.28, 0.53 and 0.10, respectively.

Conclusion

The population of freshmen still was far from a comprehensive understanding of HBV prevention and treatment. It is suggested that administrators of colleges and universities should pay more attentions to education of HBV knowledge as well as take multi-channel measures for prevention and management.

Intention to Screen for Hepatitis C Among University Students: Influence of Different Communicative Scenarios

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different narrative scenarios regarding students' intentions to undergo diagnostic screening for hepatitis C, and whether gender identification with the characters of the scenario could influence the students' intentions to undergo a medical test. A sample of 600 participants was administered three narrative scenarios with different frames (positive, negative, and ambivalent), including two gender options (male and female) for the main character of the story. A statistically significant three-way interaction between scenario, gender identification, and time resulted. There were significant simple main effects on the intention to have a diagnostic test for hepatitis C for the scenarios with the protagonist of the same gender as the participant and after the administration of the negative scenario. The use of a negative scenario with the same gender character was always more effective than the use of a positive framed scenario, even though there was a high level of knowledge regarding the disease. Personal diagnostic testing was not directly associated with knowledge regarding the infection. The findings of this study can ultimately help policymakers develop communication campaigns adapted to target populations such as college students, in order to raise awareness of the risk, promote prevention and behavioral change, and encourage medical screening.

MicroRNA let-7b inhibits hepatitis C virus and induces apoptosis in human hepatoma cells

BACKGROUND

Small non-coding RNAs have emerged as essential modulators of viral infections such as hepatitis C virus (HCV). Cellular miRNAs directly regulate the viral infectivity and indirectly by targeting virus-host factors. The current study investigates the inhibitory effect of let-7b miRNA on HCV replication in the Hepatocarcinoma cell line (Huh7.5).

METHODS AND RESULTS

The algorithm-based search revealed that let-7b, a high score microRNA, has target sequences on the HCV genome. The Huh7.5 cells were stably transduced with let-7b lentiviral vectors (Huh7.5/let-7b) and mock (Huh7.5/scrambled). The expression of the let-7b level was assessed by real-time PCR assay and Red fluorescence microscope. A dual-luciferase assay was conducted to evaluate the liver-specific let-7b and HCV genome interaction. In the next step, for establishing HCVcc, Full-length HCV-RNA was transduced to naïve Huh7.5, Huh7.5/scrambled, and Huh7.5/let-7b cells. The results of in silico analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assay exhibited a specific interaction of HCV-NS5B and let-7b. Real-time PCR analysis revealed that in contrast to infected naïve Huh7.5 cells and Huh7.5/scrambled, a significant decrease in HCV-RNA load was seen in Huh7.5/let-7b cells. On the other hand, the Flow Cytometry test showed that let-7b could significantly induce the apoptosis pathway in Huh7.5/let-7b.

CONCLUSIONS

The results also suggest that let-7b, as a target of the HCV genome, potentially reduces HCV replication and raises cell apoptosis rate. We suggest that let-7b directly downregulates HCV replication and may serve as a unique antiviral therapy.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding HIV, HBV, and HCV Among Medical Students of Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS are infections that constitute major health concerns impacting national health systems worldwide. This is the first study to determine Syrian medical students' attitudes, awareness and knowledge of HIV/HBV/HCV, regarding general knowledge about, clinical features, transmission, and prevention.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted at Syrian Private University on World AIDs Day (1/12/2019), Damascus, during the Syrian war crisis. Data were collected through self-administered surveys which targeted social demographic information, general knowledge, attitude, towards HBV, HCV, HIV. Data were divided and analysed according to the source of information, study year, marital status, and GPA using one-way analysis of variance to assess the level of knowledge.

RESULTS

Of 317 respondents, the majority (59.8%) were males with age ranging from 18 to 30 years of age. . The majority of students 188(59.3%) showed an average level of knowledge, 73(23%) showed a good level of knowledge. This study revealed adequate knowledge. However there were misconceptions regarding transmission pathways. The majority 173(54.6%) had a positive attitude, and 144(45.4%) had a neutral attitude, while none had a negative attitude towards HIV/HBV/HCV infected individuals. Clinical year students (mean 73.0%, SD ± 10.0%) demonstrated higher levels of awareness compared to pre-clinical students (mean 39.7%, SD ± 13.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed that medical students have adequate knowledge regarding HIV/HBV/HCV. Medical students play a pivotal role in raising awareness and disseminating knowledge among the community, thus more effort should be concentrated on developing educational programs to limit the risks of such infections.

Impact of IL28 Genotypes and Modeling the Interactions of HCV Core Protein on Treatment of Hepatitis C

BACKGROUND

Mutations in the core CVR region of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and polymorphisms of interleukin 28B (IL28B) are associated with progression toward liver disease and in response to therapy. In addition, interactions of the core protein with some cell interactors can be related to HCV liver damage.

AIM

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of core mutations as well as IL28B polymorphism on clinical features, sustained virological response (SVR) in 1a and 3a HCV genotypes amongst Iranian HCV infected patients, and the impact of mutations on core protein properties, antigenic properties, and interactions with HCV inhibitors, using several bioinformatics tools.

METHODS

Seventy-nine Iranian patients infected with HCV genotypes 1a and 3a and diagnosed with chronic active hepatitis were examined. Plasma viral RNA was used to amplify and sequence the HCV Core gene; also, HCV viral load, molecular genotyping, and the liver enzymes were determined for all samples. The sequencing results were analyzed by several reliable bioinformatics tools to determine the physicochemical properties, B cell epitopes, post-modification changes, and secondary/tertiary structures; and evaluate the interactions with 4 drugs by docking method.

RESULT

There were some substitutions in core CVR related to ALT and AST enzymes that can lead to HCV advanced liver disease. The most prevalent mutation for 3a genotypes was a substitution in aa 162 (I to V) while we did not find any mutation in 1a responder group. Polymorphism of the rs8099917 showed that the majority of patients had TG heterozygous and carried CT genotype at the rs12979860. Analysis indicated several phosphorylation sits for core protein as well as two important disulfide bonds. Immunogenic prediction showed that core protein can strongly induce the immune system. Interaction analysis, using the docking method revealed two potential interactors (Vitronectin and SETD2).

CONCLUSION

Generally, mutations in all core CVR regions in all patients showed a relationship between such substitutions and higher liver enzymes that can result in advanced liver disease progression in HCV infected patients. Furthermore, immunoinformatics analysis determined the possible immunodominant regions to be considered in HCV vaccine designs. Furthermore, no association between SVR and IL28B polymorphism was shown. In silico analysis determined modification sites, structures, B-cell epitopes of core protein and interactions with several interactors can lead to persistent HCV infection in the cell and the progress of liver diseases.