Hepatitis caused by the hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses is a significant public health issue affecting many people[13]. Understanding the prevalence, risk factors, and prevention strategies for hepatitis infections is crucial in mitigating its negative impact on individuals. To address this, our research aimed to examine the occurrence, associated risk factors, and preventive measures for HBV and HCV among patients at Janamora Primary Hospital and Debark General Hospital. The study found that the prevalence of HBV and HCV was 4.18% and 2.87%, respectively. The prevalence of HBsAg in our study was similar to that among blood donors at Gondar Hospital of Blood Bank (4.7%) and Dessie Hospital of Blood Bank (3%)[14]. However, it was lower compared to rates in other locations in Ethiopia, such as Gondar town (7.3%), Mekele Hospital's blood bank (14%)[15], Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital (25%)[16],, and the 1984 Red Cross blood bank in Addis Ababa (11%)[17]. Our findings also showed lower prevalence rates compared to studies conducted in other countries, including Yemen (10.8%)[18], Nigeria (9.3%)[19], Mali (8.0%)[19], and Uganda (11.8%)[3].
In contrast, the current results indicated a higher prevalence rate compared to those documented in Iran (0.7%)[20] and Egypt (1.75%), as well as 3.0% in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and 3.5% in Dawuro zone, SNNPR, southwest Ethiopia[21]. This discrepancy may be attributed to similarities in the sampling method, risky sociocultural and behavioral practices, and screening methods for HBsAg infection. The variations observed were likely influenced by differences in geographical distribution and population characteristics, including lifestyle, awareness levels, and the sensitivity and specificity of the tests utilized[22].
The findings of this research revealed a 2.87% prevalence of HCV, which was similar to the rate reported in previous studies conducted among blood donors at Gondar Hospital's blood bank (2.33%)[14]. However, it was lower than the prevalence observed among blood donors in Cairo (14.6%)[23]. In comparison to other regions, our study showed a higher prevalence of HCV when compared to blood donors in Pakistan (1.8%), Saudi Arabia (1.8%), and Yemen (2.1%)[23]. Conversely, the prevalence of HCV in our study was lower than that reported at Felege Hiwot referral hospital in North West Ethiopia, which was 13.3%[16]. These variations can be attributed to differences in geographical distribution and population characteristics, including lifestyle, awareness levels, and the sensitivity and specificity of the tests used.
The study found a higher prevalence of hepatitis among individuals aged 26–30 years compared to those above 30 years, and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Rural residents had a higher HBV positivity rate (11.2%) compared to urban residents (4.05%), and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). This contrasts with a study in Arsi, Ethiopia, where urban dwellers had a higher frequency of HBV than rural dwellers[24]. Patients who received blood from others had a 0.14 times higher risk of HBV infection compared to those who did not receive blood, consistent with global studies[25]. Similarly, individuals who had contact with HBV-infected persons had a 0.14 times higher risk of HBV infection. Patients with a history of multiple sexual partners had increased odds of HBV positivity (AOR = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.04–0.79), consistent with findings in other regions of Ethiopia[26, 27].
The likelihood of acquiring an HCV infection was 0.03 times lower in patients who received blood through transfusion compared to those who did not receive blood through transfusion (COR: 0.03; 95%CI: 0.003–0.35). Similarly, the odds of infection among patients with a history of tooth extraction were 0.1 times lower than those without such a history, which is consistent with a study conducted in Madagascar[28]. In this study, there were no statistically significant differences observed for HBV and HCV infections based on sex, occupation, or educational status. These findings are in line with a study conducted in the general population of the Amhara regional state[29] and a study conducted at Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital in north-west Ethiopia[30].
In the current study, participants' understanding and attitudes regarding HBV and HCV infection were assessed. A significant lack of knowledge (46%) was noted among patients concerning viral hepatitis, its transmission, the link between liver cancer and hepatitis B and C, and the potential for prevention through vaccination. This finding aligns with a study in Sudan by Alemairy et al., which also reported a rate of less than 50% among women working as hairdressers and barbers[31]. The variance in knowledge levels may be attributed to differences in educational backgrounds; the majority of our study participants had limited education, whereas in other studies, the participants were healthcare workers with greater access to health information about HBV infection transmission and prevention. Furthermore, this finding contrasts with research by Ayele et al., which showed that Asian American and Chinese immigrants demonstrated higher awareness (61 to 90%) regarding the spread of HBV and HCV infections through unsafe sex and bodily fluid contact, as well as knowledge about the HBV vaccine[32, 33]
In terms of patient knowledge, 46% (176 out of 383) exhibited inadequate understanding of hepatitis B and C viruses, while the remaining 54% (207 out of 383) demonstrated good knowledge. As for participant attitudes, 53.3% of patients displayed unfavorable attitudes toward HBV and HCV. Specifically, 58.2% expressed concern about being infected with HBV or HCV, and 17.5% doubted the safety and efficacy of the HBV vaccine. Additionally, 13.1%, 24.8%, 37.6%, 51.2%, and 20.4% of study participants disagreed with the following statements: all patients should be tested for HBV and HCV before receiving healthcare; following infection control guidelines will protect them from contracting HBV and HCV at home; occasional contact with blood will not necessarily increase their risk of contracting HBV and HCV; HBV and HCV infections are not potentially serious because people who acquire them lead normal lives; and post-exposure prophylactics can prevent HBV and HCV infection, respectively.