Assessment of Participation in and Satisfaction with the National Campaign on Viral Hepatitis C and Non-Communicable Diseases among Administrative Workers of Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt

Abstract

On the first of October2018, the Egyptian Ministry Of Health and Population (MOHP) launched an initiative; named 100 Million Health campaign, for nationwide screening of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs).Egypt has the highest prevalence rate of HCV infection in the world of about 10% of the Egyptian population. NCDs are considered the leading cause of mortality in Egypt and estimated to account for 84% of all deaths. Objectives: This study was conducted to a) Estimate the prevalence of participation in national campaign among administrative workers in Ain shams University. b) Assess the level of satisfaction of the participants with this campaign among Ain shams university administrative workers.c) Identify the percentage of positively screened participants in this campaign and the consequent action done by him/her.d) Assess level of knowledge of these workers on viral hepatitis C and non-communicable disease. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on 400 Administrative workers of Ain shams university faculties between March and August, 2019 in Cairo, Egypt. A multistage random sample was done. The study data was collected by using self-administrated questionnaire. Results: Most of the study group (96%) had participated in the campaign. “Reassurance about health” was considered the main reason for participation at 92%. Non participation rate was about 4% where the main cause was fear of needle prick. About 91% of the participants were satisfied with the services provided by the campaign. Mass media played the most important role (91%) in awareness about the campaign. Prevalence rate of HCV among participants was 11%, Prevalence rate of Hypertension among participants was 22.7%, Prevalence rate of Diabetes among participants was 17.7% and Prevalence rate of Obesity among participants was 26%.High percentage of cases of HCV ,Hypertension, Diabetes and Obesity were discovered among participant during the campaign(83%,64%,66% and 62% respectively ) .About (84%) of the study group had knowledge that HCV is transmitted through infected blood transfusion and (78%) had knowledge that it’s transmitted through usage of infected syringes. More than half of the study group (65%) believed that stress is the main cause of hypertension. (72%) beleived that over eating is one of main causes of elevated blood glucose. (76%) believed that over eating is the main causes of obesity. About 78% believed that following a balanced diet are preventive methods against elevated blood pressure, elevated blood glucose and obesity. About 94% of study group believed in existence of an effective treatment for elevated blood glucose and elevated blood pressure, 86% believed in existence of an effective treatment for hepatitis C virus and 69% believed in existence of an effective treatment for obesity. Conclusions: Most of the study group had participated and were satisfied with the campaign. Mass media played the most important role in awareness with the campaign. . Most of participants who were recent discovered infection with HCV, hypertension and/or diabetes sought medical advice. Most of participants had known that there are effective treatments for HCV, Hypertension and Diabetes Recommendation: Screening programs and campaigns should be repeated at regular intervals to help in early detection and treatment of the diseases and the Mass media campaigns should be included as a key component to improve population the health behaviors of the population.