Assessment of Hepatitis B Viral Load level, Affordability, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices among Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B at St. Paul Hospital Millennium Medical College, Ethiopia
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2024-06-05
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the main cause of liver infections that can result in chronic illness and liver cancer. This disease affects millions globally, with a particularly high burden in Africa, especially in Ethiopia. Access to HBV viral load testing is limited, making it challenging to diagnose and treat the disease. Despite being prevalent the viral load, affordability has not been well documented particularly in our country setup. Hence, this study aimed to assess HBV viral load quantification, affordability, knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to the disease among HBV-infected patients at St. Paul Hospital Millennium Medical College Ethiopia, in 2024.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at SPHMMC from January to April 2024, using both quantitative and qualitative data. The calculated sample size was 256, and a structured tool was used to evaluate patients' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). Affordability was assessed using household income and expenditure on HBV viral load (VL) tests. VL level with quality control was carried out using the Cobas 6800. Data completeness was ensured during collection, managed using SPSS version 25, and analyzed accordingly. Regression analysis was employed to evaluate the association of factors, with a p-value less than 0.05 considered significant. The Likert scale was used to measure KAP levels.
Result: There were 256 participants, 53.1% females. Males were more likely to have a high viral load compared to females (AOR = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.26, 4.92, p = 0.01). Individuals with co infections were much more likely to have a high viral load (AOR = 8.38, 95% CI: 3.76, 12.29, p < 0.01). Half (50%) of the participants had good knowledge, 38.3% had a positive attitude, and 57.8% had good practices regarding HBV infection. Urban residents, higher-income earners, and individuals who tested viral load once within the previous month had lower odds of catastrophic expenditure (AOR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.60, p = 0.01), (AOR = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.43, p < 0.03), respectively.
Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of education and accessible testing for HBV, noting that males, co-infections, and alcohol consumption increase viral load. Financial barriers to accessing HBV viral load testing exist. Enhancements to HBV prevention via education, improved access, and behavioral interventions are needed.
Keywords: Hepatitis B virus, viral load level, KAP, affordability, Ethiopia
Description
Keywords
Hepatitis B virus viral load level KAP affordability Ethiopia