Einstein International Journal Organization(EIJO)

Abstract

Background and Aim: Hepatitis B (HBV) infection had high prevalence in India. There is paucity of data regarding knowledge and awareness amongst the hepatitis B infected patients. The present study was designed to evaluate the degree of awareness on HBV infection and feeling of discrimination amongst the infected patients.

Material and Method: The diagnosed hepatitis B infected cases attending the OPD of Gastroenterology department of IMS & SUM hospital; Bhubaneswar, Odisha in between December 2017 and April 2018 were included in the study and evaluated by a set of questionnaires.

Result: Cosequetive 53 hepatitis B infected patients (Male: Female – 3:1) were evaluated. Most (70%) of them were literate. Only 17% cases had received HBV vaccination without having enough idea regarding their immunity status against hepatitis B. 77% cases were aware that HBV infection may be transmitted by sharing of the tooth brush. 88%, 71%, and 21% cases were apprehensive that HBV transmission may occur by consuming food with infected person, by coughing and shaking of hands with infected persons respectively. 75%, 90% and 63% cases were aware that HBV infection can spread by sharing of razor, may spread sexually, and by sharing of needles respectively. 52% and 35% cases were not sure regarding mother to child transmission and HBV prevention by vaccination respectively. 54% cases were not aware that liver cancer can occur due to infection. 60% cases were unaware regarding lifelong infectiveness of infected patients. 87% cases were aware that HBV infection cannot be cured. 96% cases were ashamed of suffering from HBV infection and felt that they were discriminated by their family and colleagues in the workplace to some extent. Only 40% showed their willingness to disclose their infective status. All the cases showed their interest to prevent HBV transmission by adopting preventive measures.

Conclusion: Most of the hepatitis B infected cases from our region had insufficient knowledge regarding HBV infection, and they feel discriminated, so there is a need for mass awareness campaigning for its prevention and elimination.

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