Mercury : 1392BE15NP

Transcription

1 2015

2 Objective measure the awareness and knowledge about the Hepatitis C virus among the Belgian population transmission prevention treatment

3 Quota Belgian population years old n=1000 Age Gender Region 3 pilars: CAWI Transmissi on Preventio n Treatment FROM: 21/04/2015 TO: 24/04/2015

4 1. Knowledge about HCV transmission

5 Ways of HCV transmission Stated awareness NO 5 4 % yes 4 7 % Question: Q1. Do you know the ways in which the Hepatitis C virus is transmitted?

6 Statements on HCV transmission - Overview Sharing of needles and syringes Blood transfusions Vaginal sexual contact during menstruation Tattoos Piercing Cleaning up other people`s blood Sharing of razors and nail scissors Common use of filters, spoons and water, the consumption of drugs Common use of devices for smoking or inhaling (pipe, reed or mouthpiece) Question: Q2. Could you, for each statement about the ways in which the Hepatitis C virus can be transmitted, indicate whether you think this is true or false?

7 Statements on HCV transmission - Overview Handshakes Food Common use of toilets Sneezing Sharing of a cigarette Joint use of cutlery (fork, knife, spoon) Mouth-to-mouth respiration Common use of a toothbrush Oral sexual contact Question: Q2. Could you, for each statement about the ways in which the Hepatitis C virus can be transmitted, indicate whether you think this is true or false?

8 Statements on HCV infection - Overview Regular consumption of alcohol disinfects the liver and softens the `seriousness` of the virus All persons with Hepatitis C Virus have jaundice Persons who take drugs, or follow a treatment with substitutes, are not treated against the Hepatitis C virus The names of individuals with Hepatitis C are communicated to the Federal Public Health Individuals with the Hepatitis C virus cannot work in a kitchen, f.e. for the preparation of food true false Question: Q6. Could you, for each statement about Hepatitis C and its treatment, indicate whether you think this is true or false?

9 2. Knowledge about HCV prevention

10 . Avoiding Hepatitis C Stated awareness NO 6 4 % YES 3 6 % Question: Q3. Do you know how to avoid being infected with the Hepatitis C virus?

11 Statements on HCV prevention - Overview Taking in vitamin C To cook / bake food for at least 15 min Treating injuries with an ointment Avoiding physical contacts Washing one s hands Vaccinating against hepatitis Question: Q4. Could you, for each statement about how to avoid the Hepatitis C virus, indicate whether you think this is true or false?

12 3. Knowledge about HCV treatment

13 . NO 4 5 % Hepatitis C : a curable disease? YES 5 5 % Question: Q5. Is, in your opinion, Hepatitis C curable?

14 Statement on HCV treatment - Overview After a successful treatment of Hepatitis C, one can be infected again If hepatitis C is treated properly, the risk of cirrhosis, and even liver cancer is decreased The treatment of Hepatitis C has side-effects A proper treatment of Hepatitis C decreases the need for liver transplants Hepatitis C in co-infection with HIV can be treated together true False Question: Q6. Could you, for each statement about Hepatitis C and its treatment, indicate whether you think this is true or false?

15 Executive summary Communicating the specifics of HCV is a relevant topic. On one hand, most Belgians feel that they have limited knowledge about the disease, on the other, important aspects are commonly misunderstood. Belgians in general do not feel well informed about HCV - less than half think that they have knowledge about the transmission and prevention of the Hepatitis C virus no specific group can be identified having remarkably better understanding. No specific differences exist between the knowledge of residents of Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels.