KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES OF THE POPULATION IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA REGARDING VIRAL HEPATITIS B AND C

Abstract

Objectives. Viral hepatitis B and C remain important public health problems. This study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices among the adults included in the study in the Republic of Moldova regarding etiology, transmission routes, prevention, vaccination, and testing for viral hepatitis B and C.

Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024–2025 among 811 respondents from the North, Centre, South, and Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia. The results presented are an interim analysis, as data collection is ongoing. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered with Epi Info. Sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of transmission and clinical manifestations, self-reported vaccination status, and testing history were analyzed.

Results. The sample included 651 women (80.3%), and the mean age was 41.1 ± 14.0 years. Healthcare workers represented 59.8% of respondents. Viral etiology was correctly identified by 86.4% for hepatitis B and 86.6% for hepatitis C. Self-reported hepatitis B vaccination was reported by 90.2% of nurses, 88.5% of physicians, and 41.6% of the general population. However, 44.3% incorrectly believed that hepatitis C could be prevented by vaccination, 24.2% identified kissing as a route of hepatitis B transmission, and 22.1% considered hepatitis B severity comparable to influenza.

Conclusions. Knowledge gaps and differences in vaccination and testing were identified between healthcare workers and general-population respondents. Targeted information activities and expanded routine testing are needed. The findings should be interpreted in light of the sample composition and the high proportion of healthcare workers.