Background: Among life threatening health problems Hepatitis B and C are on the rise and almost three to four hundred million carriers are present all around the world. It is estimated that nearly four million people in Pakistan have been exposed to hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis B has spread to alarming proportions with an estimated prevalence of 2.4% in the province of Punjab. Globally, only 11% of the population is aware that they are suffering from viral hepatitis. The aims were to determine the knowledge, attitude and behavior for Hepatitis B screening and vaccination in the community of Mochi gate and their awareness levels regarding transmission and vaccination of Hepatitis B.
Methods: A knowledge, attitude and behavior (KAB) survey was conducted among general population of UC 32 Mochi gate area Lahore. A sample of 117 were recruited using Convenience sampling. It included both men and women aged 18-64 years and been living at their place of residence for at least six months. A structured questionnaire after informed consent was used. Assured confidentiality. SPSS version 22 was used to analyze the data.
Results: Mean age of the sample was 35.16 + 11.84 years. Out of the total of 117 participants, 58% were males and 42% females. Only 29.9% had knowledge about Hepatitis B and just 10.3% had been ever vaccinated for Hepatitis B. Those who had been screened for Hepatitis B were 20.5%, for Hepatitis C 13.7% and 7.7% for HIV. Only 15.4% were already diagnosed for Hepatitis B.
Conclusion: There is dire need to expand awareness so that the vulnerable population making up the majority of the nation can be protected. If the activities occur regularly and in focused manner, we can surely bring the behavior change in the community.
Community-based hepatitis B screening: what works?
