Inpatients' Knowledge about Primary Liver Cancer and Hepatitis

Abstract

Objective: To assess the level of an inpatient population's awareness about hepatitis and primary liver cancer (PLC), the most common type of which is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and then to initiate education of this group. Methods: A survey was conducted with 1300 participants within the inpatient unit in representative tertiary hospitals in the Chaoshan area of China. Structured questionnaires contained demographic data and statements about different aspects of liver cancer and hepatitis. The questionnaires were completed by trained medical practitioners after they had conducted the interviews. Results: One way ANOVA showed that the sample population lacked adequate knowledge about HCC and hepatitis. Stepwise multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the participant's level of education had the greatest impact on their total knowledge score when other variables remained constant. Conclusions: The study demonstrated: a general lack of awareness amongst the participants about the preventative strategies, and the management options available for people with primary liver cancer and hepatitis; education level was an important factor affecting knowledge levels. The demonstrated deficiencies in people's knowledge about hepatitis and HCC, and their lack of subsequent protective behaviours are likely to play an important role in HCC and hepatitis transmission or prevention.

Practice, Knowledge, and Barriers for Screening of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Among High-Risk Chinese Patients

“…28 Moreover, our results indicated that residents residing in rural regions had worse knowledge, and this was even found among Chinese health care and public health professionals, in which individuals from rural provinces had worse knowledge about HBV and liver cancer than those from urban provinces. 16 Studies conducted among hepatitis patients in Taiwan, general hospital patients in China, and cirrhotic patients at the University of Michigan have found that education level was a major factor for indicating better knowledge in hepatitis and HCC 15,28,29 ; these results are in accordance with our findings. Additionally, higher annual household income was an important factor on knowledge; Chen et al 28 discovered that household income was not only an important determinant on knowledge, but it was also positively corrected with perceived susceptibility, benefits, barriers, and cues to action.…”

“…Furthermore, although no population-based data have been published about HCC screening rates in China, studies have suggested that screening rate may be low because of a lack of knowledge and awareness among the general Chinese population and even among health care workers. 15,16 In a study that included Chinese public health workers, 29% were not aware that chronic HBV infection was a major risk factor for cirrhosis and liver cancer, and 30% did not know about the importance of the HBV vaccine. 16 Because health care professionals recommend HCC screening to at-risk patients, 1,17 it is crucial to identify the barriers that hinder HCC screening so that more effective approaches can be implemented to promote screening.…”

Effect of health education intervention on hepatocellular carcinoma risk factor prevention in Menoufia governorate, Egypt

“…Not applicable 1 Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine Department, National Liver Institute, Gamal Abdel Nasser Street, Shebein El-Kom, Menoufia, Egypt. 2 Clinical Pathology Department, National Liver Institute, Gamal Abdel Nasser Street, Shebein El-Kom, Menoufia, Egypt.…”

“…Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) arises from liver cells and constitutes about 90% of all primary liver cancer types [1]. HCC is an important public health problem worldwide especially in developing countries [2]. In Egypt, HCC is an increasing problem which is the most common cancer to occur in men and the second in women [3].…”

Based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy analysis of serum albumin in different stages of liver disease for early screening primary liver cancer

“…Once they are diagnosed with cancer, it is often advanced hepatocellular carcinoma [2] . Last but not least, despite the introduction of high-technology methods of detection, diagnosis and treatment, the overall 5-year survival rate is extremely low (<10%) [3] . Thus, a more effective method of screening PLC is needed to be developed to improve the 5-year survival rate.…”