Hepatitis C in an Australian Migrant Community: Knowledge of and Attitudes towards Transmission and Infection

Abstract

This exploratory study focuses on the knowledge and awareness of hepatitis C, and attitudes towards people living with hepatitis C, in the Australian-Egyptian community. Surveys were completed by 121 participants recruited in inner and suburban Sydney. Significant gaps in hepatitis C knowledge existed around transmission and treatment. A favorable attitude towards people living with hepatitis C, having heard about hepatitis C, and having had a blood test for hepatitis C, independently predicted better hepatitis C knowledge. Positive attitudes towards people with hepatitis C were found to be positively correlated with participants knowing someone with hepatitis C but negatively correlated with the amount of time spent in Australia. This study strengthens the findings of previous research that knowledge of transmission and treatment of hepatitis C among migrant communities is poor. Findings emphasize the need for further research concerning culturally appropriate hepatitis C interventions and information.