Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding Hepatitis B Virus infection in the urban community of Bétou (Republic of Congo)
1
Recherche et Formation, Laboratoire de Formation et Recherche en Population et Développement (Université Marien NGOUABI), Brazzaville, Congo
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT:
Context: Hepatitis B is a serious and widespread disease worldwide [1]. In Africa, the situation remains very concerning, with about 70% of cases and over 82 million people living with chronic infection in the region [2]. In Congo, more specifically in Betou, the situation is quite particular. There is a lack of awareness about the disease, which automatically leads to non-compliance with preventive and protective measures against the disease [3]. Hence the importance of this study.
METHODS:
A field survey was conducted in Betou using a questionnaire, accompanied by a literature review. Data were collected via KoboCollect and analyzed using Excel, SPSS, and Word. Our sample was non-probabilistic, with 228 respondents.
RESULTS:
228 people were surveyed, with an average age of 31.83 ± 8 years. Respondents were informed about the topic and showed interest. Descriptive analysis showed that 58% of respondents had never heard of or were unaware of hepatitis B; 82% did not know its symptoms. 75% of the population did not know the modes of transmission, and 74% did not know the preventive measures. 91.1% did not know their serological status and 72% did not know the target organ of the virus; 76% were unaware of the hepatitis B vaccine and 88% had never received it. The reasons given were ignorance (74%), lack of money (24%), and side effects (2%).
CONCLUSIONS:
Beyond the current information on the epidemiology of hepatitis B worldwide, the virus remains largely unknown in Betou. The study highlights the urgency of raising awareness about hepatitis B in Betou. Although Congo has taken initiatives to fight the disease, challenges remain.
Context: Hepatitis B is a serious and widespread disease worldwide [1]. In Africa, the situation remains very concerning, with about 70% of cases and over 82 million people living with chronic infection in the region [2]. In Congo, more specifically in Betou, the situation is quite particular. There is a lack of awareness about the disease, which automatically leads to non-compliance with preventive and protective measures against the disease [3]. Hence the importance of this study.
METHODS:
A field survey was conducted in Betou using a questionnaire, accompanied by a literature review. Data were collected via KoboCollect and analyzed using Excel, SPSS, and Word. Our sample was non-probabilistic, with 228 respondents.
RESULTS:
228 people were surveyed, with an average age of 31.83 ± 8 years. Respondents were informed about the topic and showed interest. Descriptive analysis showed that 58% of respondents had never heard of or were unaware of hepatitis B; 82% did not know its symptoms. 75% of the population did not know the modes of transmission, and 74% did not know the preventive measures. 91.1% did not know their serological status and 72% did not know the target organ of the virus; 76% were unaware of the hepatitis B vaccine and 88% had never received it. The reasons given were ignorance (74%), lack of money (24%), and side effects (2%).
CONCLUSIONS:
Beyond the current information on the epidemiology of hepatitis B worldwide, the virus remains largely unknown in Betou. The study highlights the urgency of raising awareness about hepatitis B in Betou. Although Congo has taken initiatives to fight the disease, challenges remain.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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