What to know
- Presentation Day/Time: Friday, April 25, 9:00–10:25 am
- Presenter: Su Aung, MD, MPH, EIS officer assigned to the National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Division of Viral Hepatitis
What did we do?
- During June–September 2024, we conducted a cross-sectional survey using a stratified multistage cluster sampling in KR. We administered a questionnaire through face-to-face interviews among adults to assess HBV and HCV awareness, knowledge, and practices (testing and vaccination).
What did we find?
- Fewer than half of respondents had heard of HBV or HCV; testing and vaccination uptake was low. Education programs tailored to specific socio-demographic groups might increase knowledge and HBV and HCV prevention practices in KR.
- Among 5,261 adults, 2,379 (45%) had heard of HBV, of whom 1,287 (54%) demonstrated high knowledge; 1,599 (30%) had heard of HCV, of whom 881 (55%) demonstrated high knowledge.
- Women vs men were more likely to have high knowledge for HBV and for HCV. Respondents with higher vs secondary education were more likely to have high knowledge for HBV and for HCV. Compared with respondents aged 18-29 years, high knowledge was less likely among respondents aged ≥60 years for HBV and for HCV.
- Overall, 32% and 27% of respondents reported prior HBV and HCV testing, respectively, and 13% reported hepatitis B vaccination.
Why does it matter?
- Assessing hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) awareness, knowledge, and behavioral practices is important to guide prevention, testing, and education interventions.
- Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are primary drivers of cirrhosis, the third leading cause of death in the Kyrgyz Republic (KR).
Abstract Category: Global Health, Hepatitis