Physicians' knowledge of Hepatitis B and C in Côte d'Ivoire - Niangoran, Serge; Inghels, Maxime; Kouassi, Arsène Kra; Bekelynck, Anne; Carillon, Séverine; Sika, Lazare; Danel, Christine; Koné, Mariatou; Larmarange, Joseph
Background: Viral hepatitis is a major public health problem in Côte d'Ivoire, with a prevalence of 8% to 10% for hepatitis B and 1% for hepatitis C. Research indicates that there is a lack of awareness of hepatitis in the general population; however, there remains little evidence concerning physician’s knowledge of the virus. We, thus, investigate physician’s knowledge on viral hepatitis B and C, which can be the first condition for screening and treatment. Materials and methods: In 2018, we conducted a cross-sectional Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) telephone survey on a random sample of physicians working in health facilities in Côte d'Ivoire. Data collected included an assessment of knowledge about viral hepatitis B and C and their personal attitudes towards hepatitis screening and vaccination. We created a knowledge score based on 14 variables (screening test variables, HBV viral load variables, treatment indications variables, treatment availability and associated costs variables) and identified the associated factors using a multivariate Poisson model. Results: Among the 542 physicians contacted, 316 physicians participated in the survey (58%). The vast majority of doctors spontaneously cited cirrhosis (79%) and liver cancer (77%) as the main complications of viral hepatitis. Screening modalities were also well known. Knowledge of modes of transmission and prevention were uneven : blood transmission 88%, sexual 78%, saliva 27%, during pregnancy or childbirth 20%. Physicians' knowledge of the prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C in the population remains very limited (32% indicates between 5% and 15% for HBV while 33% indicates less than 5% for HCV) In terms of treatment, less than half knew the conditions for initiating hepatitis B treatment (42%) or the existence of curative treatment for hepatitis C (34%). Similarly, few knew the cost of associated treatments or tests (23%), such as HBV viral load (17%). A higher knowledge score was associated with having a close relative infected by viral hepatitis (RR=1.09 [1.00 – 1.19], p=0.052), receiving training on viral hepatitis (RR=1.16 [1.04 – 1.29], p=0,008) and testing for any viral hepatitis (RR=1.16 [1.04 – 1.29], p=0.008). Conclusion: The fight against viral hepatitis requires the involvement of physicians. Findings suggest that many physicians are in need of ongoing training on prevention and treatment of viral hepatitis.
Keywords: conferencePaper