Vaccine, transmission and treatment: An exploratory study of viral hepatitis knowledge among attendees of a metropolitan Australian university

Abstract

Aim: A cross-sectional study was conducted to explore knowledge of viral hepatitis among attendees of an Australian metropolitan university.

Method: A short survey enquiring into viral hepatitis A, B and C (HAV, HBV and HCV, respectively) was administered to a convenience sample of people at a campus in Sydney, Australia during September 2011.

Results: A total of 340 participants completed the survey. Among this sample, the risks for transmission of viral hepatitis, particularly HCV, were generally well understood; however, there were substantial gaps in knowledge about the hepatitis vaccines and treatments. Univariate analyzes indicated that participants who reported religion as unimportant to them had better overall knowledge about HBV and HCV than people for whom religion was reportedly important. Similarly, participants without children had better knowledge of HCV than participants who had children.

Conclusions: Although the sample was not representative, these findings suggest that among Australians more work is needed to promote knowledge of HAV and HBV vaccines and HBV and HCV treatments. It is prudent to educate young people about the risks for viral hepatitis before they are sexually active, engaging in injecting drug use or planning body modification.