Frequency and awareness of hepatitis B and C in visitors of Hepatitis Awareness Mela.

OBJECTIVE

To observe the frequency of Hepatitis B and C in a section of society that is presumably healthy and educated and to evaluate the awareness about the modes of transmission of hepatitis B and C, in this segment.

METHODS

A total of 504 individuals visiting the Awareness Mela arranged to observe World Hepatitis Day were screened for Hepatitis B and C. In addition, 106 conveniently selected individuals of age 16 years or more were asked to fill out a questionnaire which enquired on the modes of transmission of the diseases.

RESULTS

A total of 504 individuals were screened; 351 males (69.6%) and 153 females (30.4%). Mean age 34.2 +/- 11.7 years; range 11-66 years. Twenty nine (5.75%) were found positive for either hepatitis B or C, mean age being 28.43 years and 92% of the affected being males. Out of the 106 questionnaire takers, 25 were females (23.6%) and 81 males (76.4%). The mean age was 33.2 +/- 11.1 years. Majority (94.7%) believed that used syringes were amongst the main causes of spread of hepatitis B and C while 40.6% did not know about the risks of sharing toothbrushes and towels. Seventy three respondents did not have prior vaccination of Hepatitis B. In addition 2 males and 1 female of study subjects were anti-HCV positive and 1 male HBsAg positive.

CONCLUSION

In the educated class, prevalence of hepatitis B and C appears lower than the general population. They have the knowledge of the mode of spread of these viruses though there is room for further improvement. Many still confuse it with orofaecal transmission. Knowledge on vaccination is also unsatisfactory.