Following the success of Egypt’s nationwide hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment campaign, concerns regarding the risk of reinfection have emerged. A recent study assessed the knowledge and practices surrounding infection control precautions among individuals who have recovered from HCV. Alarmingly, 73.9% of respondents demonstrated poor knowledge of infection control measures against blood-borne diseases. This stark contrast to studies in places like British Columbia, Canada, indicates a significant gap that could jeopardize public health efforts.
Key Findings from the Study
The study highlighted several critical areas of concern:
Knowledge Deficits:
- A staggering 73.9% of respondents lacked adequate knowledge of infection control practices. This finding is consistent with previous studies in New Zealand and Egypt, where similar populations displayed limited understanding of HCV transmission.
- In comparison, studies in higher-income countries showed that treated patients often had much better knowledge about HCV, indicating that educational disparities potentially contribute to ongoing infection risks.
Suboptimal Practices:
- Only 36.4% exhibited good infection control practices. This rate is alarmingly lower compared to community-based studies in Ethiopia and among healthcare workers in other contexts.
- There was a notable difference in adherence to critical infection control measures. While 84.3% reported washing the injured area with soap and water after needle-stick injuries, adherence dropped significantly for practices like proper sharps disposal and safe blood spill cleanup.
Healthcare Workers vs. Non-Healthcare Participants:
- Healthcare professionals showed better knowledge and adherence to infection control practices compared to non-healthcare participants. This suggests an area for improvement, as even healthcare workers displayed substantial gaps in knowledge and practice.
Correlation Between Knowledge and Practice:
- There was a weak but significant positive correlation between knowledge of infection control practices and actual implementation, reinforcing the notion that increased awareness can drive better practices.
- Influencers on Knowledge and Practices:
- The study identified that higher education levels and professional occupations were significant predictors of better knowledge and practices. Vaccination status against hepatitis B (HBV) also affected knowledge levels, indicating a possible educational benefit arising from vaccination experiences.
Implications of Findings
The findings reveal a pressing public health challenge. Despite Egypt’s successful campaign to reduce HCV prevalence from 7% in 2014 to a remarkable 0.38% in 2023, the ongoing gaps in knowledge and practice could undermine these achievements. It suggests that the success of treatment campaigns cannot be considered self-sustaining; ongoing education and reinforcement of best practices are vital.
Recommendations for Public Health Strategy
To address these knowledge gaps, targeted public health interventions are crucial. Here are some actionable recommendations:
Educational Campaigns:
- Launch comprehensive educational initiatives to dispel common misconceptions about HCV transmission and emphasize the importance of sound infection control measures.
- Use a variety of platforms to reach a broad audience, targeting both recovered patients and healthcare professionals.
Strengthening Healthcare Training:
- Enhance the training programs for healthcare professionals regarding infection control practices and promote ongoing professional education.
Vaccination Awareness:
- Implement outreach programs to promote HBV vaccination among recovered HCV patients, emphasizing the connection between vaccination and increased awareness of blood-borne diseases.
- Monitoring and Assessment:
- Establish a system for ongoing evaluation of knowledge and practices in the post-treatment population to identify areas that require further intervention.
Conclusion
The study underscores significant knowledge and practical deficits regarding infection control among recovered HCV patients in Egypt. These gaps present a significant challenge to sustained public health success following the country’s remarkable achievements in reducing HCV prevalence. Addressing these issues through targeted educational initiatives and improving healthcare training can play a pivotal role in preventing reinfection and supporting the broader goals of the WHO 2030 elimination strategy.
Limitations
While the study provides critical insights, it is not without limitations. Its cross-sectional design limits causal inferences, and potential biases due to self-reporting may affect the accuracy of the results. However, its strengths lie in its specific focus on a previously under-examined population and the rigorous methodological approach taken to assess knowledge and practices.
Moving Forward
As Egypt continues its fight against blood-borne diseases, the evidence gathered in this study should fuel actionable strategies that not only protect individual patients but also fortify public health as a whole. Together, we can reinforce the gains made and work towards a future free from the threat of HCV reinfection.
