ISSN: 2639-2038
Authors: Desmorys Raoul Moh*, Malan L, Badjé A, Menan G, N'takpé JB, Soumahoro BC, Fadiga F, Eholié S and Aka J
Objectives: To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding viral hepatitis B in attendees at the INHP vaccination service in Abidjan. Methodology: A cross-sectional study for the purposes of description and analysis was carried out over a one-month period between September and October 2018, through individual face-to-face interviews with attendees at the INHP vaccination service in Abidjan. Participants had to be 18 years of age or older and to voluntarily and informally agree to participate in the survey. People who did not speak or understand French were not included. The number of subjects needed was estimated at 258, and 361 subjects were recruited. Data on the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants and their knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding viral hepatitis B were collected. A score was recorded on the basis of correct or incorrect answers and practices, judged to be good or bad (1 = good answer, 0 = bad answer). A statistical analysis, first descriptive and then analytical, was carried out using logistic regression to determine the factors associated with poor knowledge, attitudes and practices. Results: Nearly half of the participants were aged between 18 and 30 (46%) and 64% had a higher education. The percentage with a good general knowledge of hepatitis B was low (10%), although the majority of participants knew of the disease (80%). The latter demonstrated poor general attitudes and practices relating to viral hepatitis B, which was the case for the majority (78%). Poor knowledge of hepatitis B and a poor general attitude and practices in respect of it were associated significantly with young age, low education level, Mande ethnic group and non-health-worker status. Conclusion: Certain factors, notably socio-demographic should be kept in mind when introducing measures to increase the knowledge and promote better attitude and practices around hepatitis B in the general population. The implementation of appropriate measures to increase the level of knowledge is fundamental in the fight against hepatitis B.
Keywords: Knowledge; Attitudes; Practices; Hepatitis B
