Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://doi.org/10.1111/jgh.15496
Title: Public awareness and knowledge of liver health and diseases in Singapore
Authors: Tan, Chee-Kiat 
Goh, George Boon-Bee 
Youn, Jin
Yu, Jacques Chak-Kwan
Singh, Shikha 
Keywords: Science & Technology
Life Sciences & Biomedicine
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
hepatitis
knowledge
liver diseases
non&#8208
alcoholic fatty liver disease
public health education
Issue Date: 30-Mar-2021
Publisher: WILEY
Citation: Tan, Chee-Kiat, Goh, George Boon-Bee, Youn, Jin, Yu, Jacques Chak-Kwan, Singh, Shikha (2021-03-30). Public awareness and knowledge of liver health and diseases in Singapore. JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY 36 (8) : 2292-2302. ScholarBank@NUS Repository. https://doi.org/10.1111/jgh.15496
Abstract: Background and Aim: Despite efforts in controlling and managing liver diseases, significant health issues remain. This study aims to evaluate the degree of public awareness and knowledge regarding liver health and diseases in Singapore. Methods: A cross-sectional, self-reported, web-based questionnaire was administered to 500 adult individuals. Questionnaire items pertained to knowledge and awareness of overall liver health, liver diseases and their associated risk factors. Results: Sixty-four percent of respondents were ≥35 years old and 54.0% were male. While majority agreed that regular screening was important for liver health (91.2%), only 65.4% attended health screening within recent 2 years. Hepatitis B had more awareness than hepatitis C among the respondents. About 70% agreed the consequences of viral hepatitis included liver cirrhosis, failure, and/or cancer. Yet, only 15% knew hepatitis C is not preventable by vaccination and more than half mistaken hepatitis B and C are transmissible via contaminated or raw seafood. Despite 75% being aware of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, many were not aware of the related risk factors and complications. Awareness of specific screening and diagnostic tests for liver health was poor as one-fifth correctly identified the diagnostic tests for viral hepatitis. Preferences for doctor's consultation, TV, or newspapers (online) as information channels contrasted those currently used in the public health education efforts. Conclusions: The levels of understanding of liver diseases, risk factors, and potential complications are suboptimal among the Singapore public. More public education efforts aligned with respondents' information-seeking preferences could facilitate addressing misperceptions and increase knowledge about liver diseases.
Source Title: JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY
URI: https://scholarbank.nus.edu.sg/handle/10635/241708
ISSN: 0815-9319
1440-1746
DOI: 10.1111/jgh.15496
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