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Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able to explore the knowledge and perceptions of patients with chronic hepatitis for prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Learning Objective 2: The learner will be able to identify the factors associated with patients’ willingness to accept antiviral therapy.
Methods: This study was a cross-sectional design and conducted in a hepatologic outpatient clinic of a medical institute in Taiwan. Four hundred patients with chronic hepatitis B and/or C were randomly selected as the participants. Two structured questionnaires based on health belief model were utilized to collect data.
Results: The statistical data showed that there were significant differences among the participants’ educational levels and their knowledge and perceptions of preventing hepatocellular carcinoma. The participants’ household incomes were significantly different with their knowledge and perceptions. Multivariate Logistic regression indicated that the participants’ age and perceived barriers were correlated to their willingness to accept antiviral therapy.
Conclusion: The patients’ perceptions of preventing hepatocellular carcinoma are related to their educational levels, household incomes, and knowledge of hepatitis. Findings suggested that it is important that providing effective and appropriate educational programs to increase patients' awareness and willingness to accept antiviral therapy, especially for older adults.