Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Hepatitis C in Adolescents in Chennai, India

Aim The aim of this study is to assess and evaluate the knowledge of Hepatitis C in ado-lescents. Objective This study is set out to establish awareness of hepatitis C among adolescents. Background Hepatitis C is an infectious disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) that primarily affects the liver. During the initial infection people often have mild or no symptoms. Occasionally a fever, dark urine, abdominal pain, and yellow tinged skin oc-curs. HCV is spread primarily by blood-to-blood contact associated with intravenous drug use, poorly sterilized medical equipment, needlestick injuries in healthcare, and transfu-sions. It may also be spread from an infected mother to her baby during birth. It is not spread by superficial contact. It is one of five known hepatitis viruses A, B, C, D, and E. Diagnosis is by blood testing to look for either antibodies to the virus or its RNA. Testing is recommended in all people who are at risk. There is no vaccine against hepatitis C. Reason This study was embarked on to examine the awareness of hepatitis C in adoles-cents.