Assessment of Knowledge and Perception of Hepatitis Disease Among Hospital Attendants at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja Lagos

Abstract

Background: Viral hepatitis remains a major global public health concern, contributing significantly to liver-related morbidity and mortality despite the availability of effective preventive measures and treatment options. Knowledge and perception of hepatitis diseases play a crucial role in influencing health-seeking behaviour, uptake of screening services, vaccination, and disease prevention. This study assessed the knowledge and perception of hepatitis diseases among hospital attendants at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, Lagos. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted for the study. A total of 250 hospital attendants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured, researcher-administered questionnaire comprising sections on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, perception, and sources of information on hepatitis diseases. The instrument was validated by experts and its reliability established using the test–retest method. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were used to summarize the data, while Chi-square analysis was employed to determine associations between variables at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The respondents had a mean age of 34.8 ± 10.2 years, with the majority (39.2%) aged 25–34 years. Overall, 70.4% of the respondents demonstrated good knowledge of hepatitis diseases, while 75.6% exhibited a positive perception toward hepatitis diseases. Most respondents correctly identified the liver as the organ primarily affected by hepatitis and recognized infected blood, unprotected sexual intercourse, mother-to-child transmission, and sharing of sharp objects as important routes of transmission. The majority also acknowledged the importance of hepatitis B vaccination and early diagnosis in preventing disease complications. Significant associations were observed between respondents' age (χ² = 10.842, p = 0.028), educational status (χ² = 19.486, p < 0.001), occupation (χ² = 13.227, p = 0.021), and knowledge of hepatitis diseases. Similarly, age (χ² = 9.734, p = 0.045), educational status (χ² = 15.968, p = 0.001), and occupation (χ² = 11.684, p = 0.039) were significantly associated with respondents' perception of hepatitis diseases. Furthermore, a significant relationship was found between knowledge and perception (χ² = 45.621, p < 0.001), indicating that respondents with good knowledge were more likely to have positive perceptions toward hepatitis diseases. Conclusion: Hospital attendants at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital demonstrated generally good knowledge and positive perceptions regarding hepatitis diseases. However, misconceptions regarding certain aspects of hepatitis transmission remain among a proportion of respondents. Continuous public health education, targeted awareness campaigns, and strengthened hospital-based health promotion programmes are recommended to improve knowledge, correct misconceptions, promote hepatitis screening and vaccination, and support efforts toward the elimination of viral hepatitis as a public health threat.