Therapeutic Itineraries of Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B and C in Benin: The Wanderings in Search of Care towards the Therapeutic Impasse

Abstract

Introduction: Viral hepatitis B and C are endemic in the Republic of Benin. However, no national strategy is in place to support patients and to control these diseases. This study aims to trace the therapeutic itineraries of patients seeking care and to assess the cost of treatment steps. Patients and Methods:This is a descriptive and analytical prospective, crosssectional study, conducted from January to June 2010 in the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology of the National and University Hospital of Cotonou. Information on the therapeutic management was collected from patients with hepatitis B or C in direct interview. Results:One hundred and two patients were included. For the first visit, 73.5% of patients were using modern medicine against 20.6% for traditional medicine. In contrast, 58% of those who consulted a second line and more made use of traditional healers. The average number of practitioners consulted by each patient was 2.72 ± 1.84 with a maximum of seven practitioners consulted. The alleged curative treatments offered were not antiviral. The average cost of these treatments was illusory 112,000 FCFA while the minimum wage is only 31,600 FCFA in Benin. Conclusion:This study highlights the shortcomings of the national health system response to the issue of hepatitis, and the need to make the fight against these endemic diseases a public health priority.