Perceptions and attitudes on hepatitis C
Perceptions and attitudes on hepatitis C
Abstract
Perception and attitudes on hepatitis C in Ürümqi, China
Abstract
Degree project, programme in medicine, 2016
Fredrik Askeroth, Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Infectious diseases,
Sahlgrenska academy, University of Gothenburg
Supervisors: PhD MD Åsa Alsiö, PhD Rena Maimaiti
Background
Hepatitis C (HCV) is the fourth most common infectious disease an d a major public health
issue, estimated to affect 13-25 million people in China. To improve the situation, it has been
suggested that overall knowledge and awareness about HCV needs to increase, although little
is known about perception and attitudes on HCV in China.
Aim
This study intended to evaluate perception and attitudes on hepatitis C, to deepen the
understanding of factors that influence HCV management in Ürümqi, China.
Method
A total of 120 questionnaires and 8 interviews were conducted at the Department of Infectious
Diseases at First Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University, Ürümqi, China between
20160301- 20160415. Questionnaires were distributed to patients and interviews were
conducted with HCV-patients, nurses and physicians at the study location.
Results
70.3% of the respondents indicated knowledge on that HCV is a blood borne disease, 88.3%
that it affects the liver, 45.4% that HCV infection can be asymptomatic and 64.4% that the
infection can lead to cancer. 33,9% felt that people with HCV diagnosis are discriminated.
Interviews exampled ways HCV infected experience discrimination and misconceptions about
HCV.
Conclusion
Despite many of the respondents were knowledgeable about the true nature of HCV, this study
found that there are misperceptions regarding transmission routes and course of infection. These
misperceptions affect a sound awareness about HCV and attitudes towards people living with
HCV. Apart from maintaining discrimination, impairing quality of life for those living with the
infection, it may also affect care seeking behaviour keeping people from getting tested and
discover the disease at an early stage- issues that needs to be addressed in order to achieve a
successful management of HCV in China.
Keywords
Hepatitis C, Perception, Attitudes, Discrimination
Degree
Student essay