Knowledge, attitude, and practice survey concerning hepatitis B and C and among migrant populations from sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B and C virus infections are serious blood borne diseases with global health concern particularly in developing countries. The association between survey participant's knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) about HBV and HCV infection is rarely studied, particularly among migrants seeking resettlement. Libya is a main transient station for migrants northward toward Europe and the flow is increasing into Al Kufra from neighboring countries that have endemic intermediate and high HBV and HCV prevalence. The purpose of this exploratory descriptive study in Al Kufra was to assess the level of participating migrant's KAP, regarding cause, transmission, prevention, and treatment of viral hepatitis due to HBV and HCV. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 674 sub-Saharan African migrants in Al Kufra, Libya from January to October 2021. Migrant's KAP about HBV and HCV infection was assessed by interview questionnaire. Statistical and data analysis used SPSS version of 25. Results: Out of 700 questionnaires distributed, 674 were returned with a response rate of 96.3%. The study population included 580 (86.1%) males, mean age of 29.6 +- 7.2 SD years. A majority, 508 (75.4%) were illiterate and elementary level, 8 2.483+.232, respectively. Positive significant linear correlations were found between knowledge-attitude (r = 0.524, p < 0.01) knowledge-practice (r = 0.123, p < 0.01) and attitude-practice (r = 0.278, p < 0.01). Ethnicity and education variables were significantly associated with mean KAP. Gender identity and marital status were both significantly associated with mean knowledge and attitude. Conclusion: The migrant population from the neighboring and sub-Saharan African countries have inadequate KAP about HBV and HCV to limit infection.