Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis is an infection of liver tissue that results in extensive liver scarring, liver failure, liver cancer, and death. An individual's knowledge, attitudes, and prevention practices toward hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) infection are vital for controlling their adverse health impacts. Our study aimed to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and prevention practices (KAPs) and associated factors among patients in the North Gondar Zone toward hepatitis B and C virus infection. METHOD: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from November to December 2023 among 383 randomly selected patients visiting Debark and Janamora Hospitals in the North Gondar Zone. Data on KAP related to hepatitis B and C viruses among patients were collected by interviewing participants via pretested and well-structured questionnaires. Bivariate (P value less than 0.25) and multivariate (P- value less than 0.05) logistic regression were performed to identify factors associated with KAP levels among patients attending Debark and Janamora hospitals. RESULTS: In this study, 208 (54.3%) of participants had good knowledge, 203 (53%) had poor attitudes, and 210 (54.8%) had poor prevention practices. Educational level and hospital admission history were significantly associated with knowledge; residence and educational level were significantly associated with attitudes; and only study participants' attitudes were significantly associated with prevention practices. CONCLUSION: A large number of patients included in our study had poor attitudes and prevention practices toward the hepatitis B and C viruses. Therefore, intervention strategies such as community-based education on attitude improvement and prevention practices should be planned and implemented by the local health bureau to overcome morbidity and mortality due to HBV and HCV.