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BARRIERS TO THE PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF THE HEPATITIS B IN THE COMMUNITY

Dr Arifa Bibi, Ammara mumtaz , Dr Mahek Fatima

Introduction: Chronic hepatitis B can lead to life-threatening complications, including liver failure and hepatocellular cancer (HCC) and affects over 292 million people worldwide. Aim: This study aimed to rule out the barriers to the prevention and control of hepatitis B in communities from the prospects of hepatitis patients, residents, and healthcare providers. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in which 26 participants were recruited through purposive sampling technique. In depth face to face interviews were taken to collect the data. Results: The critical factors of barriers to hepatitis prevention and control included poor cognition of residents regarding hepatitis B, severe stigma in society, inadequate health education, and the provision of unsatisfactory medical services. Conclusion: Strengthening health education and improving services for treating patients with hepatitis are suggested to make further progress and this may be achievable through well-organized and targeted community-based screening and educational interventions.

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