Hepatitis B knowledge among women and men in the upper west region of Ghana: What sources of health information matter?

Abstract

Despite the vital role of accurate health information in reducing the spread of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in endemic contexts such as Ghana, little is known about how health information sources may influence disparities in the knowledge of HBV transmission among women and men. This study examines the association between sources of health information and knowledge of HBV transmission in the Upper West Region (UWR) of Ghana. Data from a cross‐sectional survey (n = 1061) was analyzed using gender‐specific multivariate ordered logistic regression models. The results show that, women who obtained health information from religious‐based programs (OR = 4.04, P < .05), higher‐level facilities (OR = 2.37, P < .05), and primary health facilities (OR = 1.83, P < .1) were more likely to have good knowledge of HBV transmission compared to non‐facility‐based programs. Similarly, men who accessed health information from religious‐based programs only, were more likely to have good knowledge of HBV transmission (OR = 2.14, P < .05) compared to non‐facility‐based programs. The results demonstrate the importance of health information sources on knowledge of disease transmission and prevention in a resource‐poor context. Based on our findings, we suggest the scaling‐up of information programs at health facilities in rural areas and the expansion of HBV services in the UWR in contribution towards the attainment of SDG #3.3.

Knowledge of mother-to-child transmission of HIV among women living with HIV in Malawi

“…This finding is consistent with the existing literature that suggests higher educational attainment provides a useful medium for people to become more assertive about their health and health care needs, thus, putting in extra efforts to access health information that helps protect their health. [21][22][23][24] In this regard, it is also possible that women living with HIV in Malawi with formal education are in a better position to search for, read and digest health information related to HIV and MTCT of HIV relative to their counterparts who may need some assistance to do so. Among women attending ANC in Kombolcha Town, South Wollo Amhara State, Ethiopia, a similar finding emerged where women who had higher educational attainment were found to be more knowledgeable about MTCT of HIV Option B+ compared to their counterparts with low/no formal education.…”

Differentiated agrarian vulnerabilities and generalized national responses to COVID‐19 in the Upper West Region of Ghana

“…While this disparity may be excused by population density, it is inexcusable in terms of land area. Moreover, the doctor-patient ratio in UWR is 1:30,601, relative to the national average of 1:8953 (Anfaara et al, 2020). Thus, some districts in UWR do not have health facilities, and inhabitants must journey several kilometres to seek healthcare in other towns.…”

Determinants of COVID-19 knowledge and self-action among African women: Evidence from Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, and Nigeria

“…Several reasons account for this disparity, including the presence of more accessible sources of information in urban areas and the relatively higher educational levels of urban residents [ 28 ]. People’s trust in and the source of information on infectious diseases can also influence their knowledge levels [ 29 , 30 ].…”

“…Education is also associated with people’s knowledge on preventing infectious diseases [ 6 , 24 , 28 ]. Education facilitates access and evaluation of accurate information on infectious diseases prevention [ 30 ]. It is thus useful in expelling misconceptions about preventing infectious diseases.…”

“…It is thus useful in expelling misconceptions about preventing infectious diseases. Other identified factors that influence preventive knowledge of infectious diseases include income [ 32 , 33 ], place of residence [ 24 , 28 ], trust [ 34 , 35 ], and source of information [ 30 , 35 ].…”