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

Abstract

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. During June–September 2024, we conducted a nationwide cross-sectional survey in KR using a stratified multi-stage cluster sampling. 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. In weighted analysis among respondents aware of hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C, we assessed overall knowledge and factors associated with low knowledge based on tertile distribution of knowledge scores (defined as ≤ 11/17 correct responses for hepatitis B and ≤ 12/18 correct responses for hepatitis C). We performed multivariable linear and logistic regression to identify sociodemographic factors and practices associated with hepatitis B and hepatitis C awareness and knowledge. Of 6090 targeted adults, 5243 completed the interview. Overall, 43.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 40.4–47.0) had heard of hepatitis B and 29.2% (95% CI: 26.5–32.0) had heard of hepatitis C. Overall, 28.6% (95% CI: 26.0–31.3) and 25.4% (95% CI: 21.9–27.1) had ever been tested for hepatitis B or hepatitis C, respectively, and 11.6% (95% CI: 10.1–13.1) had been vaccinated against hepatitis B. Female sex, post-secondary education compared to secondary education, and prior hepatitis C testing were all 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 ( P -value < 0.05). Internet was the most common trusted source of health information (87.4%). 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.