Hepatitis B virus perceptions and health seeking behaviors among pregnant women in Uganda: implications for prevention and policy.
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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:With most countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) lagging behind schedule to implement a comprehensive viral hepatitis elimination strategy, several barriers to accurate information and hepatitis B virus (HBV) services still exist, that are unique to different regions. In an obstetric population of a high HBV burden SSA setting without antenatal HBV services, we systematically evaluated perceptions and prevention behavioral intentions in relation to HBV and liver cancer. METHODS:Eligible consenting pregnant women were recruited from public health care facilities in the central and northern regions of Uganda, between October 2016 and December 2017. Standardized procedures and instruments based on the health belief model and theory of planned behavior were used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, HBV perceptions and behavioral intentions. Descriptive analysis using Chi-square tests was done to obtain distribution of respondents by levels of perceived risk of HBV and liver cancer for themselves, their child under 5 years and their spouse. Modified Poisson regression analyses were used to evaluate relationships between perception variables and different behavioral outcomes (intention to screen, vaccinate and treat HBV). RESULTS:Perceived risk (PRR?=?0.95(0.90-1.00), p =?0.055) was inversely associated with intention to screen for HBV. Conversely, perceived self-efficacy showed a consistent association with intention to screen for HBV (PRR?=?1.18(1.10-1.23) p =?0.005), to vaccinate (PRR?=?1.20(1.05-1.36) p =?0.006) and to seek treatment for HBV (PRR?=?1.40(1.18-1.67) p
SUBMITTER: Nankya-Mutyoba J
PROVIDER: S-EPMC6815411 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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