HEALTH CARE PROVIDER PERSPECTIVE ON THE BURDEN AND AWARENESS OF HEPATITIS B AND C IN KAFANCHAN, KADUNA STATE NIGERIA

Abstract

Viruses that target the liver primarily are described as hepatotropic viruses, with each of them causing clinically significant hepatitis and in some cases leading to the development of chronic viral hepatitis. Six human viruses have been identified, including hepatitis A B C and D (HDV), with the potential to cause acute inflammation of the liver, resulting in acute hepatitis carcinoma. This study was to determine the healthcare provider’s awareness of hepatitis B and C in Kafanchan, Kaduna state, Nigeria with emphases on hepatis B due to its prevalence.Majority of respondents were within the age of 30 years (46.0 %), Male (65.0 %), Female (35.0 %). Seventy-eight percent (116) of respondents indicated that Hepatitis C and B awareness was not enough while 13 % (20) reported adequacy of sensitization. Majority of the respondents (97.01 %) believed in existence of cure for HCV and HBV, while 19.5 % said there was no cure.