Hepatitis B and hepatitis C awareness, knowledge, and practices among adults in the Kyrgyz Republic—results from a nationally representative survey, 2024

Abstract

<title>Abstract</title> Background Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are primary drivers of cirrhosis, a leading cause of death in the Kyrgyz Republic (KR). Assessing hepatitis B and hepatitis C awareness, knowledge, and behavioral practices are important to guide prevention, testing, and education interventions. Methods During June–September 2024, we conducted a cross-sectional survey using a stratified multi-stage cluster sampling targeting 6090 adults in KR. We administered a questionnaire through face-to-face interviews to assess hepatitis B and hepatitis C awareness, knowledge, practices (testing and vaccination), and sources of health information. Among respondents aware of hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C, we assessed overall knowledge and factors associated with low knowledge (defined as ≤ 11/17 questions answered correctly for hepatitis B and ≤ 12/18 questions answered correctly for hepatitis C, with each correct response scored as 1). We performed multivariable regression to identify sociodemographic factors and practices associated with hepatitis B and hepatitis C awareness and knowledge. Results Of 6090 targeted adults, 5243 completed the interview. Overall, 43.7% had heard of hepatitis B and 29.2% had heard of hepatitis C. Overall, 28.6% and 25.4% had ever been tested for hepatitis B or hepatitis C, respectively, and 11.6% had been vaccinated against hepatitis B. Among participants aware of hepatitis B or hepatitis C, 24.6% and 28.2% correctly answered all transmission questions, and 19.4% and 4.2% correctly answered all prevention questions, respectively. Female sex, post-secondary education compared to secondary education, and prior hepatitis C testing were all positively associated with hepatitis B and hepatitis C awareness and related knowledge. Factors associated with low knowledge score for hepatitis B included male sex, age 50–59 years (compared to 18–29 years), and being a homemaker. Factors associated with low hepatitis C knowledge were male sex, being a homemaker, and no prior hepatitis C testing ( <italic>P</italic> -value &lt; 0.05). Internet was the most common source of trusted health information (87.4%). Conclusions The study demonstrated the need to improve levels of hepatitis B and hepatitis C awareness and knowledge, and testing and vaccination uptake. Education programs tailored to reach specific sociodemographic groups are needed to achieve hepatitis B and hepatitis C elimination in KR.