Knowledge, Awareness and Health Seeking Behaviour among Hepatitis patients attending a Tertiary Care Hospital in Delhi
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Date
2022-03
Authors
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Publisher
Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi- 221005, India.
Abstract
Introduction: People living with Chronic Viral Hepatitis in India often lack awareness about risk factors and prevention. Objective: Objective of this article is to assess the health seeking behaviour of viral hepatitis infected patients attending super specialty hospital in Delhi. Methods: Total 389 patients attending a super specialty hospital in Delhi were interviewed. Results: The first point of contact for the treatment of hepatitis was a private practitioner (71%). Before coming to ILBS, 77.4% visited a private practitioner, followed by (42.7%) Govt. facilities (PHC/CHC/DH/Medical College), 12% visited a AYUSH doctor, about 10% visited either a Vaidya or a Hakim. About 40% believed that HBV is curable and 36.2% respondents thought that HCV is curable. Our findings show that 7.2% respondents have been vaccinated for HBV infection in the past, 20.8% respondents have screened their families for Hepatitis B infections. Conclusion: Need to create awareness about myths, further screening of HBV and HCV infection, early diagnosis and treatment.
Description
Keywords
Awareness, Knowledge, Viral Hepatitis, Myths, Health Seeking Behavio
Citation
Tiwari V. K., P B., TP S. R.. Knowledge, Awareness and Health Seeking Behaviour among Hepatitis patients attending a Tertiary Care Hospital in Delhi. Indian Journal of Preventive and Social Medicine. 2022 Mar; 53(1): 21-29