Knowledge of and Testing Rate for Hepatitis C Infection among the General Public of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Mohammad S. Alzahrani (), Abdullah Ayn Aldeen, Rayan S. Almalki, Mohammed B. Algethami, Nawaf F. Altowairqi, Ammar Alzahrani, Ahmed S. Almalki, Rami M. Alzhrani and Majed A. Algarni
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Mohammad S. Alzahrani: Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
Abdullah Ayn Aldeen: College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
Rayan S. Almalki: College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
Mohammed B. Algethami: College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
Nawaf F. Altowairqi: College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
Ammar Alzahrani: Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 22252, Saudi Arabia
Ahmed S. Almalki: College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
Rami M. Alzhrani: Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
Majed A. Algarni: Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 3, 1-11

Abstract: Introduction: The Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia has announced a plan to eradicate hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. This study sought to evaluate the knowledge levels and testing rate among the general population of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using data collected from an online, self-administered survey. Multivariable analysis was conducted using multiple binary logistic regression models to identify factors associated with low knowledge levels as well as predictors of HCV testing. Results: A total of 689 participants completed the survey. While most participants (88%) have heard of HCV infection, less than half (47.3%) understood that HCV is curable with medications. More than half of the participants (53.7%) have low knowledge about HCV infection. Testing for HCV was reported by 123 respondents (17.8%), and the odds of testing for HCV were significantly lower among residents of the Makkah region (OR = 0.59 [95% CI: 0.36–0.97]) and those with low knowledge level (OR = 0.47 [95% CI: 0.29–0.74]). HCV diagnosis was reported by nine respondents (1.3%), of whom only four reported receiving treatment (44%). Conclusions: Our study indicates inadequate knowledge levels and relatively low testing rate. These findings underscore the need for national awareness campaigns and more effective strategies for HCV screening.

Keywords: knowledge; public health; chronic disease; hepatitis C; Saudi Arabia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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