Analysis of Trends in Awareness Regarding Hepatitis Using Bayesian Multiple Logistic Regression Model

Abstract

Diseases like hepatitis remained a major health concern, especially in developing countries. The awareness and knowledge about such diseases are of prime importance. The analysis of socioeconomic factors associated with the tendency of awareness and knowledge about the said diseases is fundamental. However, in developing countries like Pakistan, very few studies have considered such investigations using nationally representative data. In addition, a careful review of the literature suggests that no studies have analyzed the trends in awareness and knowledge about said disease with respect to time using nationally representative datasets. Furthermore, the existing literature regarding these studies has utilized the classical methods for the analysis. We have considered a detailed study for analyzing the trends in awareness and knowledge about the said disease in the general population of Pakistan from 2012 to 2018, using nationally representative data collected through Pakistan Demographic and Health Surveys. In addition, we have considered the Bayesian methods for the analysis and performance of the proposed Bayes methods that have been compared with the frequently used classical methods. The results indicated that the proposed Bayesian multiple logistic regression models performed better as compared to classical multiple logistic regression models (CMLRMs). This is due to fact that widths of 95% CIs were smaller for Bayesian multiple logistic regression models (BMLRM), as compared to classical multiple logistic regression models. The findings of the study suggest that there are severe disparities (with respect to different socioeconomic groups) in the knowledge and awareness of respondents for hepatitis. The levels of knowledge and awareness about the said disease are drastically low for respondents living in rural areas, having lower levels of education and wealth. These disparities seem to persist, as the corresponding odds have not changed much during the period 2012 to 2018. The policy-maker should plan and implement the strategies to reduce the observed disparities for different sectors of society.