Hepatitis C Virus Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices among Arizona Providers

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common chronic blood borne infection in the U.S. and it is estimated that there are 80,000 Arizonans infected with HCV (ADHS). HCV is the leading cause of liver cancer and transplants (Ly et al., 2012). Research shows vast variation in the availability and uptake of HCV testing, screening, and treatment (Jones et. al, 2013), in part because HCV literacy is low among healthcare professionals (Bruggman, Grebely, 2014). A Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) survey elicits quantitative and qualitative information that can reveal misunderstandings or misconceptions regarding a certain topic (USAID, 2011). Through this, we aimed to better understand the extent to which Arizona providers serve as a barrier to care for HCV patients.