A Cross-Sectional Study of Viral Hepatitis Perception among Residents from Southeast and North Regions of Brazil

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018 Jan 24;15(2):189. doi: 10.3390/ijerph15020189.

Abstract

Few data are available regarding viral hepatitis perception among the general global population. The present study aims to estimate the perception of viral hepatitis in a cohort of individuals living in two geographical regions of Brazil: North (Manaus city (MA)) and Southeast (Rio de Janeiro city (RJ)). A cross-sectional, descriptive study was carried out among 287 subjects recruited in MA (134) and RJ (153). All individuals answered a questionnaire assessing socio-demographic characteristics and viral hepatitis awareness. Participants' responses were scored and divided using interquartile values. Associations between socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge were also evaluated. Interquartile analysis scored 0-21 correct answers as "Very Weak"; 22-27 as "Weak"; 28-31 as "Intermediate"; and 32-47 as "Desirable". Mean ± standard deviations (SD) of correct responses were weak in both MA (24.1 ± 7.0) and RJ (26.3 ± 7.3). Bivariate analysis showed an association between viral hepatitis awareness and both education level (p < 0.001) and family income (p < 0.01). Desirable scores were more common in female participants (61%), those aged between 21-30 years (40%), those with a secondary education (51.7%), those who received high income (31.6%), and those from RJ (70.0%). Health education campaigns in these cities are recommended to increase knowledge and reduce the transmission of these viruses.

Keywords: Latin America; hepatitis; perception; urban population.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Brazil
  • Cities
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Educational Status
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Hepatitis, Viral, Human*
  • Humans
  • Income
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Perception
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult