Evaluation of the General Population's Knowledge Concerning Liver Health: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Autor:	Alibrahim H; Internal Medicine, Aleppo University, Aleppo, SYR., Bohsas H; Faculty of Medicine, Aleppo University, Aleppo, SYR., Swed S; Medicine, Aleppo University, Aleppo, SYR., Albakri K; Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, JOR., AbdeQadir YH; General Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, EGY.; Research, International Medical Students' Research Association, Cairo, EGY., Ramadan S; Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, EGY., Kazan L; Faculty of Medicine, Altinbas University, Istanbul, TUR., Haj Saleh H; Faculty of Medicine, Aleppo University, Aleppo, SYR., Tashrifwala FAA; Research and Discovery, Stamford Health, Stamford, USA., Al Ibrahim M; Biotechnology Engineering, Faculty of Technical Engineering, Aleppo University, Aleppo, SYR., Tayfour S; Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, SYR., Abo Alsel T; Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, SYR., Alnehlawi A; Faculty of Medicine, Aleppo University, Aleppo, SYR., Khan U; Community Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, PAK., Boktor ANB; Family Medicine, LLH Hospital, Abu Dhabi, ARE., Elbialy I; Internal Medicine Emergency, Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi, ARE., Manad H; Internal Medicine, Mediclinic Hospital, Abu Dhabi, ARE., Abazid RR; Obstetrics and Gynaecology, NMC Royal Hospital, Abu Dhabi, ARE., Hafez W; Internal Medicine, NMC Royal Hospital, Abu Dhabi, ARE.; Internal Medicine, National Research Centre, Cairo, EGY.
Jazyk:	angličtina
Zdroj:	Cureus [Cureus] 2024 Feb 14; Vol. 16 (2), pp. e54162. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Feb 14 (Print Publication: 2024).
DOI:	10.7759/cureus.54162
Abstrakt:	Introduction: 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). Conclusion: 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. Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist. (Copyright © 2024, Alibrahim et al.)
Databáze:	MEDLINE
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