KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES ABOUT HEPATITIS AMONG POLICEMEN IN POLICE LINES, QUETTA, BALUCHISTAN

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis is a major public health issue throughout the world. Frequency of hepatitis B virusis 2.4% and hepatitis C virus is 4.9% in Pakistan. Policemen in everyday expose with people having high risk infections like hepatitis. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess knowledge and practices about viral hepatitis among policemen. Material and Methods: It was cross-sectional descriptive study in which 384 policemen of Police Lines Quetta Pakistan participated. Data was collected from January 2018 to July 2018, through questionnaire, which was developed through literature review and expert opinion. Consent was taken before data collection. Data was analyzed through SPSS version 20. Results: Among 384 policemen, 232(60.4%) were ≤ 35 years old and 152(39.6%) were > 35 years of age. 56.2% had knowledge about prevention of viral hepatitis, by using gloves (20.8%) and through vaccination (35.5%) respectively. A mainstream (93.8%) of policemen were aware about types viral hepatitis including (77.8%) about hepatitis B virus (HBV) and (22.2%) hepatitis C virus (HCV). 69(12.5%) Policemen were having knowledge about spread sources of viral hepatitis through Blood, sharing tooth brush, syringes etc. Majority (79.2%) of policemen were never used gloves while handling prisoners. Conclusion: More than half of policemen were aware about prevention of hepatitis. Major proportions were found vaccinated against hepatitis. Uses of gloves were found unsatisfactory. Policemen must be educated to use gloves regularly and vaccination policies should be followed by the police department for the prevention of hepatitis.