Assessment of Knowledge, Stigmatizing Attitudes and Health-Seeking Behaviors Regarding Hepatitis B Virus Infection in a Pharmacy and Community Setting in Sierra Leone: A Cross-Sectional Study

3Citations
Citations of this article
45Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.
Get full text

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major global health challenge. Emerging evidence suggests that poor knowledge and stigma are impacting HBV control efforts in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), but their role is not well understood. We conducted a cross-sectional study of adults aged ≥18 years in a community and pharmacy setting in Freetown, Sierra Leone. A structured questionnaire was used to assess knowledge, stigmatizing attitudes and health-seeking behaviors regarding HBV. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of HBV knowledge and related stigma. A total of 306 adult participants were enrolled (50.7% male, 7.5% HBV positive and 11.7% vaccinated). Overall, 52.2% had good HBV knowledge and 49.3% expressed a stigmatizing attitude towards people with HBV. Notwithstanding, 72.2% stated they would receive the HBV vaccine if offered, 80.4% would take anti-HBV medication and 78.8% would be willing to attend clinic regularly. Good HBV knowledge was associated with HBV positive status (aOR 4.41; p = 0.029) and being vaccinated against HBV (aOR 3.30; p = 0.034). HBV-related stigma was associated with secondary or higher level of education (aOR 2.36; p < 0.001), good HBV knowledge (aOR 2.05; p = 0.006) and pharmacy setting (aOR 1.74, p = 0.037). These findings suggest that education and stigma reduction may benefit HBV elimination efforts in SSA.

References Powered by Scopus

Examining the associations between HIV-related stigma and health outcomes in people living with HIV/AIDS: a series of meta-analyses

641Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Health Behavior Theory and cumulative knowledge regarding health behaviors: Are we moving in the right direction?

558Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Traditional, complementary and alternative medicine use in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review

294Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Cited by Powered by Scopus

Measuring stigma associated with hepatitis B virus infection in Sierra Leone: Validation of an abridged Berger HIV stigma scale

1Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Health-seeking behaviour during times of illness among urban poor women: a cross-sectional study

0Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Crowdsourcing to increase hepatitis B and C testing and reduce hepatitis stigma among medical students in Bangladesh

0Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Ghazzawi, M., Yendewa, S. A., James, P. B., Massaquoi, S. P., Babawo, L. S., Sahr, F., … Yendewa, G. A. (2023). Assessment of Knowledge, Stigmatizing Attitudes and Health-Seeking Behaviors Regarding Hepatitis B Virus Infection in a Pharmacy and Community Setting in Sierra Leone: A Cross-Sectional Study. Healthcare (Switzerland), 11(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11020177

Readers' Seniority

Tooltip

PhD / Post grad / Masters / Doc 7

88%

Lecturer / Post doc 1

13%

Readers' Discipline

Tooltip

Nursing and Health Professions 4

50%

Neuroscience 2

25%

Agricultural and Biological Sciences 1

13%

Medicine and Dentistry 1

13%

Article Metrics

Tooltip
Mentions
Blog Mentions: 1
Social Media
Shares, Likes & Comments: 12

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free