Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Hepatitis B and C in Dera Ghazi Khan

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B and C remain significant public health concerns in Pakistan, particularly in rural and underserved regions where awareness, preventive practices, and vaccination coverage are suboptimal. There is a critical research gap regarding the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of local populations in these high-burden areas. Objective: This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors regarding Hepatitis B and C among adult residents of Dera Ghazi Khan, with a focus on identifying gaps in awareness, vaccine uptake, and willingness to seek screening or treatment. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted from October 2024 to February 2025, including 112 adults aged ≥18 years residing in Dera Ghazi Khan for at least five years. Participants were selected by convenience sampling at local hospitals. Data were collected using a structured, validated questionnaire evaluating demographic characteristics, awareness, knowledge of transmission, vaccination status, and attitudes toward prevention and treatment. Ethical approval was granted by the Institutional Review Board of The Superior University Lahore, following the Declaration of Helsinki. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.0, with descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and 95% confidence intervals for proportions; p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Among 112 participants (50.9% male), 82.1% were aware of Hepatitis B and C, and 84.8% recognized their association with liver disease. However, only 22.3% had received the Hepatitis B vaccine, and 29.5% had been tested for infection. While 74.1% expressed willingness to receive vaccination or treatment, significant gaps persisted in preventive practices and vaccine uptake (p < 0.05). Higher educational attainment correlated with increased awareness and willingness but did not translate into substantially higher vaccination rates. Conclusion: Despite moderate awareness and favorable attitudes toward Hepatitis B and C among residents of Dera Ghazi Khan, major deficiencies remain in vaccine coverage and adoption of preventive behaviors. Targeted public health interventions and improved vaccine accessibility are essential for reducing disease burden, enhancing early detection, and advancing liver health in underserved populations.