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A Systematic Review of Provider Knowledge of Hepatitis C: Is it Enough for a Complex Disease?

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Abstract

As studies indicate that patients with hepatitis C face poor provider knowledge and even stigmatization, we conducted a systematic review of provider knowledge about and attitudes toward hepatitis C. We searched Medline for original studies between 1990 and 2005. Articles were abstracted to define target population, recruitment strategies, study design, and key findings. Twenty-six publications performed in nine countries were identified. Whereas studies demonstrated an understanding of the nature of hepatitis C, significant knowledge deficits existed related to natural history, diagnostic approaches, and treatment. The relevance of simple measures, such as vaccinations against hepatitis A and B, was underappreciated. While providers were aware of risk factors for the disease, there were substantial misperceptions, with 5%–20% of providers considering casual contact as a risk for disease acquisition. We conclude that while healthcare providers understand the nature of hepatitis C, important knowledge gaps persist, which may constitute barriers to appropriate therapy.

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Acknowledgments

SLZ was supported in part by the Veterans Administration Health Services Research & Development Merit Review Entry Program Career Development Award and also by pilot funds from the VA VISN 4 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC). KEB was supported by a Merit Review grant from the Veterans Administration.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

    Susan L. Zickmund

  2. Iowa City Veterans Administration Medical Center and Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA

    Kyle E. Brown

  3. Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

    Klaus Bielefeldt

  4. Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, (151C-U) University Drive C, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15240, USA

    Susan L. Zickmund

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  1. Susan L. Zickmund
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  2. Kyle E. Brown
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  3. Klaus Bielefeldt
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Correspondence to Susan L. Zickmund.

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Zickmund, S.L., Brown, K.E. & Bielefeldt, K. A Systematic Review of Provider Knowledge of Hepatitis C: Is it Enough for a Complex Disease?. Dig Dis Sci 52, 2550–2556 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-007-9753-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-007-9753-0

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