KNOWLEDGE REGARDING SPREAD, DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF HCV PATIENTS AMONG PRIMARY HEALTH CARE PHYSICIANS IN ISLAMABAD AND RAWALPINDI

ABSTRACT

Objective: To assess the basic knowledge of primary health care physicians about mode of transmission, risk factors and management of HCV infection.

Study Design and duration: A cross-sectional facility-based study of six month (Dec.2008-June 2009) duration.

Study technique: Universal sampling technique was used.

Settings: Thirty three Basic Health Units (BHUs) in Islamabad and Rawalpindi districts with their attached 07 dispensaries were surveyed in the study.

Subjects and Methods: A total of 40 Primary Health Care Physicians (PHCP) from two cities (Islamabad and Rawalpindi) were interviewed in the study. A close ended questionnaire was used to assess their knowledge about the transmission, risk factors and management of HCV infection.

Results: A total of 40 primary care physicians were interviewed. There was poor knowledge about modes of disease transmission while diagnosis and treatment was well known in majority. The frequency of disease transmission to neonate and the time of checking the child in case of a HCV positive mother were not known by many GPs, which need to be taken seriously specially in our setting where GP is the first or second line person that is approached by the patient.   Majority of the physicians knew that HCV is not transmitted through breast feeding. Genotyping is done by about 61% physicians thus adding a very expensive test with very limited use. About 60% GPs counsel the patients that are found positive for the test, which is a good sign.

Conclusion: The study identified a strong need for continuing education program for the primary care physicians about HCV infection.