Evaluation of hepatitis B knowledge, practices, and beliefs among the Jordanian population: A cross-sectional study

Contemporary Insights into Hepatitis C Virus: A Comprehensive Review

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a significant global health challenge. Approximately 50 million people were living with chronic hepatitis C based on the World Health Organization as of 2024, contributing extensively to global morbidity and mortality. The advent and approval of several direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens significantly improved HCV treatment, offering potentially high rates of cure for chronic hepatitis C. However, the promising aim of eventual HCV eradication remains challenging. Key challenges include the variability in DAA access across different regions, slightly variable response rates to DAAs across diverse patient populations and HCV genotypes/subtypes, and the emergence of resistance-associated substitutions (RASs), potentially conferring resistance to DAAs. Therefore, periodic reassessment of current HCV knowledge is needed. An up-to-date review on HCV is also necessitated based on the observed shifts in HCV epidemiological trends, continuous development and approval of therapeutic strategies, and changes in public health policies. Thus, the current comprehensive review aimed to integrate the latest knowledge on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic approaches, treatment options and preventive strategies for HCV, with a particular focus on the current challenges associated with RASs and ongoing efforts in vaccine development. This review sought to provide healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers with the necessary insights to address the HCV burden more effectively. We aimed to highlight the progress made in managing and preventing HCV infection and to highlight the persistent barriers challenging the prevention of HCV infection. The overarching goal was to align with global health objectives towards reducing the burden of chronic hepatitis, aiming for its eventual elimination as a public health threat by 2030.

Assessment of Knowledge of Communicable Diseases Among Medical Students at Al-Balqa Applied University

INTRODUCTION

Medical education is the foundation of knowledge among medical students. This study aims to investigate the knowledge of medical students at Al-Balqa Applied University, exploring their awareness of five communicable diseases, namely, leishmaniasis, hepatitis B, tuberculosis, measles, and cholera.

METHODS

This cross-sectional survey included 271 participants who answered a structured validated questionnaire with varying questions on causes, symptoms, complications, transmission routes, and preventive measures for each disease.

RESULTS

Knowledge of all five communicable diseases was low. Leishmaniasis knowledge was notably low (mean=6.07, SD=1.43), with participants grappling with misconceptions about transmission modes, symptoms, and preventability. Hepatitis B knowledge was also low (mean=10.46, SD=1.67), especially regarding transmission modes, revealing that 76% of students were unaware of how the virus spreads. Tuberculosis knowledge unveiled gaps (mean=7.007, SD=1.90), particularly in recognizing the causes, symptoms, and transmission routes. Measles knowledge (mean=9.56, SD=1.92) indicated a robust understanding of symptoms but unveiled misconceptions about complications and transmission routes. For cholera (mean=14.50, SD=1.98), a knowledge of symptoms was demonstrated, but confusion about causative agents, transmission routes, and preventive measures was highlighted.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the study emphasize the critical need for enhanced educational strategies including curriculum revisions, increased practical exposure, engaging awareness campaigns, and the integration of interactive learning methods to increase knowledge about communicable diseases.

Evaluation of the General Population's Knowledge Concerning Liver Health: A Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION

Liver disease is among the leading causes of global mortality and morbidity. Given their substantial impact on public health, raising awareness about liver diseases is paramount for their prevention and effective management. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, awareness, attitudes, and behaviors of Syrians regarding liver health, chronic liver disorders, and their associated serious and irreversible complications.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study encompassing the adult Syrian population between August 25 and September 29, 2023, excluding non-Syrians and individuals below the age of 18 years. A validated questionnaire, adapted from a previous study, was employed, consisting of 31 questions that covered topics related to knowledge and awareness of liver health and diseases (3-point Likert scale), attitudes towards liver screening, diagnosis, and treatment, and awareness of treatment options and vaccination. Statistical analysis including logistic regression was conducted using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 28; IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY), with statistical significance set established at pp-values below 0.05.

RESULTS

This study included 941 participants, with an average age of 26.5 years. While two-thirds of respondents demonstrated awareness of hepatitis B and C as viral diseases (663 (70.4%) and 612 (65.4%), respectively), approximately 66 (7%) were unaware of the potential for hepatitis to induce chronic liver inflammation or lead to liver failure. Over half of the participants were knowledgeable about the non-genetic nature of hepatitis B and C, and 579 (61.7%) were informed about the transmission risks associated with these infections. The most common reason cited for not participating in health screening tests was the perception of being in good health (219, 77.4%), and prescription medication was the most frequently sought treatment for hepatitis (543, 83.9%). Bivariate analysis revealed correlations between participant knowledge and sex, socioeconomic status, educational level, and occupation (P < 0.05). Similarly, the study identified significant associations between participant attitudes and age, gender, economic status, job, and educational level (P < 0.05). Moreover, the multivariate analysis demonstrated that gender, occupation, and educational level significantly influenced both participants' knowledge and attitudes. Specifically, males exhibited lower knowledge and less favorable attitudes than females (P = 0.041 and P < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The Syrian population possessed moderate knowledge of liver health and liver disorders. To bridge this knowledge gap and enhance preventive measures, it is recommended that additional health programs and awareness initiatives be implemented, involving healthcare providers and leveraging their expertise.

Awareness of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Screening Before Marriage and Pregnancy Among Adults in the Al-Baha Region, Saudi Arabia

Background Hepatitis B is a global public health concern. Understanding the awareness, testing practices, and vaccination status of individuals is crucial for effective prevention and control strategies. This study aims to assess these aspects among participants in the Al-Baha region, Saudi Arabia. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted among 440 participants. Demographic data, awareness of hepatitis B, knowledge of transmission modes, symptoms, and complications were collected through a structured questionnaire. Participants' testing and screening practices, sources of information, and vaccination status were also assessed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and associations were explored using chi-square tests. Results The majority of participants were females (51.8%) and aged 18-25 years (55.2%). While most participants had heard of hepatitis B (85.7%), only a small percentage correctly identified sexual contact as a mode of transmission (38.6%). Knowledge regarding symptoms and complications was moderate, with 52.3% correctly identifying symptoms and 69.8% recognizing liver damage and cirrhosis as complications. Although awareness of screening was high (84.8%), the actual practice was low (35.0%). Education was the least reported source of information, while the internet (46.7%) and health care provider (27.6%) were commonly mentioned. Approximately half of the participants reported receiving the hepatitis B vaccine (48.9%), but a significant proportion had not completed all vaccine doses (55.0%). Conclusion The study revealed moderate awareness of hepatitis B among the participants, but knowledge gaps existed regarding transmission modes and complete symptom recognition. Testing and screening practices were suboptimal, with low rates of screening despite high awareness. Vaccination uptake was moderate, but incomplete vaccine schedules were prevalent. Targeted educational campaigns are needed to address knowledge gaps, promote testing and completion of vaccination schedules, and enhance the role of healthcare providers in disseminating accurate information. Improving knowledge and practices related to hepatitis B can strengthen public health efforts, enhance prevention, and control strategies.

Hepatitis B virus infection in Saudi Arabia and the UAE: Public health challenges and their remedial measures

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health concern globally with higher prevalence in Middle Eastern countries. Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE face critical challenges in HBV treatment and management despite the implementation of a mass vaccination program. This review aimed to understand the gaps and unmet needs related to HBV infection, public health challenges associated with its diagnosis, and treatment barriers in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Additionally, the review aimed to provide the best practices in the HBV care pathway for effective remedial measures and disease reduction.

METHODS

The literature search was done from Pubmed.

RESULTS

The lack of disease awareness and knowledge about disease transmission among patients and their family members and healthcare professionals, lack of proper screening, underdiagnosis, social stigma, lack of established referral system, and treatment cost are the primary barriers to HBV diagnosis and management.

CONCLUSION

Appropriate healthcare initiatives should be undertaken to lower the disease burden in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

EVALUATION OF SEROLOGICAL SCREENING AND PCR-AMPLIFICATION OF HEPATITIS B VIRUS DNA AMONG IRAQI BLOOD DONORS

OBJECTIVE

The aim: Infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) caused by blood transfusion is a big problem throughout the world. The aim of study is to determine the faster and more accurate methods for detection of hepatitis B infections by serological screening and PCR- amplification.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Materials and methods: A total of 140528 donors were tested for HBsAg and total anti-HBc from January to October 2021 in Iraq's National Blood Transfusion Center; however, only 100 samples with HBsAg (-) and anti-HBc (+) were collected and tested for HBV DNA using quantitative real-time PCR.

RESULTS

Results: From 2015 to 2021, the percentage of HBsAg positive donors was 0.33 percent in 2015, 0.32 percent in 2016, 0.30 percent in 2017, 0.28 percent in 2018, 0.23 percent in 2019, 0.22 percent in 2020, and 0.27 percent in 2021. Between January and October of 2021, the overall anti-HBc rate among the (140528) donors was 4.42 percent. According to our findings, only 7% of blood samples from NBTC donors with HBsAg (-) anti-HBc (+) were positive for HBV DNA. The results showed no significant change in HBs Ag (+) and total anti-HBc rates among blood donors between 2015 and 2021.

CONCLUSION

Conclusions: HBV infection could be transmitted from a blood donor with OBI. PCR (RT PCR) is substantially more sensitive and effective. Despite this the use of an anti-HBc test for blood donors could be seen as a second choice to control HBV from spreading during blood transfusions.