Increasing Hepatitis C Virus Knowledge Through an Evidence-Based Educational Intervention.

Hepatitis C virus infection is the most common chronic blood-borne infection in the United States (U.S.). Increasing rates of hepatitis C virus infection among drug users present a significant public health problem in the U.S. and globally. This article describes the effect an educational intervention on hepatitis C virus knowledge. A project was conducted using the Brief Hepatitis C Knowledge Scale to assess pre- and post-test intervention knowledge. An educational intervention consisting of a video (Hepatitis C: Get the Facts) and a written handout, as well as a question-and-answer session, was administered to participants at a local health department. Analysis of the data through use of descriptive statistics to compare percentage change of the mean from the pretest to post-test to 3-week post-test intervention was performed. Results demonstrated the use of an educational intervention to be effective in increasing hepatitis C virus knowledge. An increase in knowledge regarding hepatitis C virus transmission may lead to a decrease in overall hepatitis C virus infection rates as well as risky behaviors.