Awareness of Hepatitis in Hemodialysis Patients with Viral Hepatitis

OBJECTIVE: In our study, we aimed to evaluate the history and awareness of hepatitis in HD patients with viral hepatitis who were followed up at our center and in different provinces.

MATERIAL and METHODS: A total of 260 HD patients with chronic viral hepatitis from 6 different provinces were included in the study. A total of 27 multiple-choice questions were asked to the patients in the presence of a physician, and then the answers given by the patients were evaluated.

RESULTS: The mean age was 57±13 and 162 were male. 97 patients had hepatitis B, 154 (59.2%) patients had hepatitis C, and 8 patients had coexisting B and C. 241 (92%) patients knew that they themselves had viral hepatitis, but 224 of these patients knew which type of viral hepatitis they carried. When asked about the problems that the hepatitis virus may cause in themselves, 56% of the patients had no idea whereas the remaining patients knew that it can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer. 48% of the patients did not have enough knowledge about viral hepatitis. 112 (43%) patients had never gone to an Infectious Disease or Gastroenterology Clinic for viral hepatitis.

CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the awareness of HD patients with viral hepatitis about this disease should be increased.