Level of physicians’ awareness of epidemiology, outcomes, prevention and treatment of chronic hepatitis B and C

Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. 2018; 20(4):393-400

Type
Journal article

Objective.

To evaluate a level of physicians’ awareness of the specific issues of epidemiology, outcomes, prevention and treatment of chronic hepatitis B and C.

Materials and Methods.

The anonymous questioning was performed among 120 physicians (record of service in a given specialty ranged from 8.1 to 18.6 years) in Kirov city and region. The participants were represented by the following specialties: pediatricians – 41.7% (n=50), obstetricians/gynecologists – 35.8% (n=43), and dentists – 22.5% (n=27). The questionnaire consisted of 20 questions about social, demographic, and professional status of a physician as well as specific questions about epidemiology, outcomes, diagnosis, prevention and antiviral therapy of chronic hepatitis B and C in adults and children.

Results.

The physicians’ awareness of aspects of chronic hepatitis B and C virus infection was not consistent and comprehensive. While the physicians’ knowledge about diagnosis, prevention of hepatitis B and C virus infection and follow-up on patients with chronic hepatitis B and C was good enough, their awareness of specific aspects of epidemiology, prophylaxis regimens in children at risk for hepatitis B virus infection, and up-to-date therapy of chronic hepatitis B and C was poor (especially, pediatricians and obstetricians/gynecologists). The level of physicians’ knowledge about currently available antiviral therapy of chronic hepatitis C was the lowest.

Conclusions.

The results of this study indicate the need for continuous education of primary care physicians (pediatricians, obstetricians/gynecologists, dentists) in issues of epidemiology, specific and non-specific prophylaxis and, particularly, up-to-date antiviral therapy of chronic hepatitis B and C.

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