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Knowledge of Viral Hepatitis Among Puerto Rican Adults: Implications for Prevention

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Abstract

Although primary prevention of HAV and HBV can be achieved through vaccination, the burden of HCV can only be reduced through behavioral interventions to reduce its risk factors. This study evaluated knowledge regarding transmission, clinical manifestations and prevention of viral hepatitis in Puerto Rico. We assessed the level of knowledge about HAV (six questions), HBV (12 questions) and HCV (eight questions) among non-institutionalized Puerto Rican adults aged 21–64 years. Demographic characteristics and self-reported knowledge of these infections were determined through a face-to-face interview. A mean knowledge score was computed by summing correct responses to each scale. Mean knowledge scores according to demographics were compared using ANOVA or the Kruskal–Wallis test. Mean knowledge scores for HAV, HBV and HCV infections were 2.6 ± 1.5, 6.1 ± 2.4, and 3.6 ± 1.1, respectively. For HAV and HBV infections, the mean knowledge score significantly (P < 0.05) increased with age, level of counseling received and number of sources of information. However, for HCV infection the mean knowledge score significantly increased with decreasing age, increased educational level and increased annual family income. Contrary to HBV, a higher HAV and HCV knowledge score was observed among individuals with history of vaccination for HAV and HBV, seropositive status for HAV and HCV, and history of drug use. A sizeable proportion of adults in this study demonstrated an inadequate level of knowledge, especially about transmission routes. Health education must be focused on transmission and prevention methods, including the availability of a vaccine for HAV and HBV, especially among those with chronic liver disease.

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Acknowledgments

This work was fully supported by a grant from the NIH NIGMS MBRS-SCORE Program (S06-GM08224) and partially supported by RCMI (G12RR03051), EARDA (G11HD046326), NCRR (P20RR011126), and NCI (U54CA96297 and U54CA96300) grants of the NIH. The content of this publication is solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official view of the sponsors.

Conflict of Interest

The authors have no conflict of interest to disclose.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. UPR-MDACC Partnership for Excellence in Cancer Research Program, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, PMB 371 P.O. Box 70344, San Juan, PR, 00936-8344, Puerto Rico

    Marievelisse Soto-Salgado

  2. Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, P.O. Box 365067, San Juan, 00936-5067, Puerto Rico

    Erick Suárez, Ana P. Ortiz, Sandra Adrovet, Edmir Marrero, Marytere Meléndez & Cynthia M. Pérez

  3. Cancer Control and Population Sciences Program, University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, Puerto Rico

    Ana P. Ortiz

  4. School of Public Health, Medical Sciences Campus, Center for Sociomedical Research and Evaluation, University of Puerto Rico, P.O. Box 365067, San Juan, 00936-5067, Puerto Rico

    Héctor M. Colón & Carmen Albizu

  5. Department of Social Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, P.O. Box 365067, San Juan, 00936-5067, Puerto Rico

    María del C. Santos

  6. Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, P.O. Box 365067, San Juan, 00936-5067, Puerto Rico

    Esther Torres

Authors
  1. Marievelisse Soto-Salgado
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  2. Erick Suárez
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  3. Ana P. Ortiz
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  6. Marytere Meléndez
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  7. Héctor M. Colón
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  9. María del C. Santos
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  10. Esther Torres
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  11. Cynthia M. Pérez
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Correspondence to Cynthia M. Pérez.

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Soto-Salgado, M., Suárez, E., Ortiz, A.P. et al. Knowledge of Viral Hepatitis Among Puerto Rican Adults: Implications for Prevention. J Community Health 36, 565–573 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-010-9342-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-010-9342-6

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