背景:肝病是全球死亡率和发病率的主要原因之一。鉴于它们对公共卫生的巨大影响,提高对肝脏疾病的认识对于预防和有效管理至关重要。本研究旨在评估知识,意识,态度,以及叙利亚人对肝脏健康的行为,慢性肝病,及其相关的严重和不可逆的并发症。
方法:我们在2023年8月25日至9月29日期间对叙利亚成年人口进行了横断面研究,不包括非叙利亚人和18岁以下的个人。一份经过验证的问卷,改编自先前的研究,被雇用,由31个问题组成,涵盖与肝脏健康和疾病的知识和意识相关的主题(3点李克特量表),对肝脏筛查的态度,诊断,和治疗,以及对治疗选择和疫苗接种的认识。使用统计产品和服务解决方案(SPSS,版本28;IBMSPSSStatisticsforWindows,Armonk,NY),在pp值低于0.05时建立了统计显著性。
结果:这项研究包括941名参与者,平均年龄为26.5岁。虽然三分之二的受访者表现出乙型和丙型肝炎病毒疾病的认识(663(70.4%)和612(65.4%),分别),约有66例(7%)未意识到肝炎诱发慢性肝脏炎症或导致肝功能衰竭的可能性.超过一半的参与者了解乙型肝炎和丙型肝炎的非遗传性质,579人(61.7%)被告知与这些感染相关的传播风险.不参加健康筛查测试的最常见原因是身体健康(219,77.4%),和处方药是最常见的肝炎治疗方法(543,83.9%).双变量分析揭示了参与者知识和性别之间的相关性,社会经济地位,教育水平,职业(P<0.05)。同样,这项研究确定了参与者态度和年龄之间的显著关联,性别,经济地位,工作,文化程度(P<0.05)。此外,多变量分析表明,性别,职业,和教育水平显著影响了参与者的知识和态度。具体来说,男性的知识水平和态度均低于女性(分别为P=0.041和P<0.001)。
结论:叙利亚人群对肝脏健康和肝脏疾病有一定的了解。为了弥合这一知识差距并加强预防措施,建议实施更多的健康计划和意识倡议,让医疗保健提供者参与进来,并利用他们的专业知识。
BACKGROUND: Liver disease is among the leading causes of global mortality and morbidity. Given their substantial impact on public health, raising awareness about liver diseases is paramount for their prevention and effective management. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, awareness, attitudes, and behaviors of Syrians regarding liver health, chronic liver disorders, and their associated serious and irreversible complications.
METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study encompassing the adult Syrian population between August 25 and September 29, 2023, excluding non-Syrians and individuals below the age of 18 years. A validated questionnaire, adapted from a previous study, was employed, consisting of 31 questions that covered topics related to knowledge and awareness of liver health and diseases (3-point Likert scale), attitudes towards liver screening, diagnosis, and treatment, and awareness of treatment options and vaccination. Statistical analysis including logistic regression was conducted using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 28; IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY), with statistical significance set established at pp-values below 0.05.
RESULTS: This study included 941 participants, with an average age of 26.5 years. While two-thirds of respondents demonstrated awareness of hepatitis B and C as viral diseases (663 (70.4%) and 612 (65.4%), respectively), approximately 66 (7%) were unaware of the potential for hepatitis to induce chronic liver inflammation or lead to liver failure. Over half of the participants were knowledgeable about the non-genetic nature of hepatitis B and C, and 579 (61.7%) were informed about the transmission risks associated with these infections. The most common reason cited for not participating in health screening tests was the perception of being in good health (219, 77.4%), and prescription medication was the most frequently sought treatment for hepatitis (543, 83.9%). Bivariate analysis revealed correlations between participant knowledge and sex, socioeconomic status, educational level, and occupation (P < 0.05). Similarly, the study identified significant associations between participant attitudes and age, gender, economic status, job, and educational level (P < 0.05). Moreover, the multivariate analysis demonstrated that gender, occupation, and educational level significantly influenced both participants\' knowledge and attitudes. Specifically, males exhibited lower knowledge and less favorable attitudes than females (P = 0.041 and P < 0.001, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS: The Syrian population possessed moderate knowledge of liver health and liver disorders. To bridge this knowledge gap and enhance preventive measures, it is recommended that additional health programs and awareness initiatives be implemented, involving healthcare providers and leveraging their expertise.