Awareness - A missing link in treatment of hepatitis b

Introduction: Hepatitis B has become significant health problem globally leading to substantial morbidity and mortality, thus causing enormous burden on the health care system. Once, these infections progress to chronic phase then further complication arise like cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (H.C.C). Aim: The aim of study was to assess the awareness of Hepatitis B in patients suffering from it and reporting for treatment at Model treatment Centre (MTC), PGIMS, Rohtak. Material and Methods: This was a prospective study conducted over a period of five years i.e. 01.01.2017 to 01.01.2022 at MTC, PGIMS, Rohtak. Four thousand eight hundred and twenty eight patients of Hepatitis B who were confirmed on ELISA (Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) and HBV DNA Quantitative test were enrolled in the study after proper consent. A multiple choice structured questionnaires about Hepatitis B was put to the patients and their responses were recorded by the team at MTC which included Gastroenterologist. The team assessed knowledge and awareness about hepatitis B infection, transmission, screening and vaccination against hepatitis B was the tool of data collection. Results: Most of the HBV patients were unaware about existence of hepatitis B infection, modes of transmission, treatment and vaccination of hepatitis B. A direct positive correlation was found between education level and awareness, which reveals that patients with better knowledge and information had better attitudes toward the infection and prevention of hepatitis transmission. Conclusion: There is urgent and strong need for increasing the level of awareness about HBV infection not only in patients suffering from them but also among their family members and general society.