Health care provider perspective on the burden and awareness of Hepatitis B and C in Kafanchan, Kaduna state Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: Viruses that target the liver primarily are described as hepatotropic viruses, with each of them causing clinically significant hepatitis and in some cases to the development of chronic viral hepatitis with viral persistence. Six human viruses have been identified, including hepatitis AB C and D (HDV), with the potential to cause acute inflammation of the liver, resulting in acute hepatitis carcinoma. This study determined the healthcare provider's view of awareness of hepatitis B and C in Kafanchan, Kaduna state, Nigeria with emphases on hepatis B due to its prevalence. Result: Majority of respondents who filled the questioner was 30 years, representing 46.0 %, 65.0 % of respondents were male, while 35.0 % were females. Seventy-eight percent (116) of respondents reported that Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B awareness was not enough while 13 % (20) indicated that the awareness is enough. Majority of the respondents (97.01 %) said a cure exists for HCVand HBV, while 19.5 % said there was no cure. Conclusion This survey conducted among healthcare providers, reveals the level of awareness of HBVand HCVinfection in Kafanchan Kaduna state and from the above data, it is clear that the level of awareness is not enough therefore, more awareness strategy be put in place for effective information.