OBJECTIVE: To test our hypothesis that there is inadequate knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B infection among the general population in Hong Kong. DESIGN: A random telephone survey using a structured multiple-choice questionnaire. SETTING: Hong Kong community. PARTICIPANTS: Hong Kong residents aged 18 years or above. RESULTS: A total of 506 respondents were successfully interviewed in February 2010. Approximately half of respondents (55%) were aware that hepatitis B virus is the most common cause of chronic viral hepatitis in Hong Kong. Regarding knowledge about the mode of transmission, mother-to-infant transmission and blood contact were recognised as risk factors by 67% and 65% of respondents, respectively. Transmission by sexual contact, sharing a razor or toothbrush, and tattooing or body piercing were appreciated by 44%, 41%, and 37% of respondents, respectively. A majority (73%) had the mistaken belief that the virus is transmitted by eating contaminated seafood. Over half of respondents (53%) knew nothing about the clinical presentation of acute hepatitis B. Only 35% of respondents realised that periodic abdominal ultrasonographic examinations are indicated for asymptomatic hepatitis B carriers. While 51% of respondents reported being tested for hepatitis B virus infection, only 36% acknowledged being vaccinated against the infection. Education level, occupation, and marital status were factors associated with both hepatitis B virus screening and vaccination. CONCLUSION: These findings support our hypothesis that there is inadequate knowledge and awareness about hepatitis B infection in the general population in Hong Kong.
OBJECTIVE: To test our hypothesis that there is inadequate knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B infection among the general population in Hong Kong. DESIGN: A random telephone survey using a structured multiple-choice questionnaire. SETTING: Hong Kong community. PARTICIPANTS: Hong Kong residents aged 18 years or above. RESULTS: A total of 506 respondents were successfully interviewed in February 2010. Approximately half of respondents (55%) were aware that hepatitis B virus is the most common cause of chronic viral hepatitis in Hong Kong. Regarding knowledge about the mode of transmission, mother-to-infant transmission and blood contact were recognised as risk factors by 67% and 65% of respondents, respectively. Transmission by sexual contact, sharing a razor or toothbrush, and tattooing or body piercing were appreciated by 44%, 41%, and 37% of respondents, respectively. A majority (73%) had the mistaken belief that the virus is transmitted by eating contaminated seafood. Over half of respondents (53%) knew nothing about the clinical presentation of acute hepatitis B. Only 35% of respondents realised that periodic abdominal ultrasonographic examinations are indicated for asymptomatic hepatitis B carriers. While 51% of respondents reported being tested for hepatitis B virus infection, only 36% acknowledged being vaccinated against the infection. Education level, occupation, and marital status were factors associated with both hepatitis B virus screening and vaccination. CONCLUSION: These findings support our hypothesis that there is inadequate knowledge and awareness about hepatitis B infection in the general population in Hong Kong.
Authors: Ivan Fan-Ngai Hung; Danny Ka-Ho Wong; Ronnie Tung-Ping Poon; Daniel Yee-Tak Fong; Ada Hang-Wai Chui; Wai-Kay Seto; James Yan-Yue Fung; Albert Chi-Yan Chan; John Chi-Hang Yuen; Randal Tiu; Olivia Choi; Ching-Lung Lai; Man-Fung Yuen Journal: PLoS One Date: 2016-02-22 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Alan Hoi Lun Yau; Jo-Ann Ford; Peter Wing Cheung Kwan; Jessica Chan; Queenie Choo; Tim K Lee; Willie Kwong; Alan Huang; Eric Yoshida Journal: Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol Date: 2016-03-29
Authors: Silvano Barbosa de Oliveira; Meritxell Sabidó; Ana Roberta Pati Pascom; Juliana Machado Gisiviez; Adele Schwartz Benzaken; Fábio Mesquita Journal: Hepatol Med Policy Date: 2016-04-14