Awareness of Hepatitis C Among the General Population of Riyadh, KSA, in 2023: A Cross-Sectional Study

Cureus
Jan 07, 2024

Awareness of Hepatitis C Among the General Population of Riyadh, KSA, in 2023: A Cross-Sectional Study


Abstract

Background

Hepatitis C, a highly contagious viral infection transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, poses a significant threat to public health owing to its potential to induce extensive liver damage, leading to the development of life-threatening conditions such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, commonly known as liver cancer.

Objective

This cross-sectional study aims to assess the level of awareness of hepatitis C among the general population in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Methodology

The study was conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A national cross-sectional survey was conducted using a predesigned self-administered validated electronic questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed electronically to the general population from April to September 2023.