Can family physicians have a role in eradication of hepatitis c infection?

Abstract

Background/Aims: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is an important global public health problem. Application of screening programs is important for elimination of HCV in addition to direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapies. In this study, we aimed to measure knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of family physicians (FPs) who are important in screening programs regarding diagnosis, natural history, and treatment of HCV infection. Materials and Methods: This study was designed as a cross-sectional study, aiming at measuring HCV knowledge levels about screening, diagnosis, natural history, and treatment of FPs working nationwide in Turkey, through a survey. Results: The most common reason for the participants to perform anti-HCV test is the mandatory screening program before marriage by 70.9% (420). Of the participants included in the study, 29.6% (n=175) encountered anti-HCV test positivity at least once within the last 1 year. Of the physicians who encountered anti-HCV test positivity, 15.4% (n=27) had no knowledge about whether the patients went to a higher level center for further diagnosis, whereas 58.9% (n=103) did not know stage of the disease. Of participants, 14.5% (86) responded as DAA and 34.8% (206) responded as interferon + ribavirin treatment for hepatitis C infection. Conclusion: FPs have lack and gaps of knowledge regarding screening, natural history, and treatment of HCV infection. The results of this study show that HCV training plans for FPs should cover all aspects of the infection, and emphasize the necessity of guidelines-based screening recommendations.