A Survey on Hepatitis C on Saudi Female University Students

ABSTRACT

Background: Hepatitis C virus is a blood-borne RNA virus. An estimated 3 to 4 million people worldwide are infected with acute Hepatitis C each year. Methods: Among Saudi people the overall anti-HCV antibodies were detected in 7.3% (1124/15323) of the examined individuals in one of the latest study done. The incidence of Hepatitis C is increasing every year, the main reason found by previous similar studies is lack of awareness in public regarding its different modes of transmission. Hence this study was planned where the researchers did a cross sectional survey on 402 students of Princess Nourah Bint Abdul Rahman University (PNU), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The purpose of present study was to assess the knowledge of female students of PNU, about modes of transmission and different signs and symptoms our Hepatitis C. A non-probability consecutive sampling technique was adopted. A large percentage answered that Hepatitis C spreads by droplet and sharing tooth brushes. Results: Piercing body parts and tattooing are not sources of Hepatitis C as answered by 58% and 57% respectively. Sharing needles and blades at barber’s shop (68%), and through sexual contact (68%) were marked as risk factors for Hepatitis C infection transmission. Just 49.5% knew that it can spread by unscreened blood transfusion. Most of the students did not know that there is change in stool color (142/402=35%), urine color (138/402=34%), abdominal pain (170/402=42.5%) and fever (167/402=42%) as symptoms of Hepatitis C. Majority of the respondents did not have any idea (No 261/402=65%,) that health workers are at risk of contracting Hepatitis C. When cross tabulation was done by applying Chi-square test, as a test of significance, it was found that, respondents did not have the correct knowledge regarding the different modes of spread of disease with the exception of sharing needles and blades (p=0.008) and sexual contact (0.05). Conclusion: Hence it is concluded that there is lack of knowledge regarding hepatitis C virus infection transmission and its prevention among the students.