Hepatitis B is a public health concern in India; but very few know about its transmission, effects & vaccination

Subject: Science and tech

Section: Health

Context:

A study by Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, revealed that public knowledge about Hepatitis B is significantly lacking in India, with only 25% of respondents possessing adequate knowledge about the disease. This includes understanding its transmission methods, effects on the liver, and the importance of vaccination.

Disparities in Vaccination Uptake:

The study identified disparities in vaccination uptake influenced by gender, education levels, and the urban-rural divide.
These disparities underscore the need for increased vaccination efforts and making these initiatives accessible to all population segments, especially those most at risk.

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Infection:

Hepatitis B is an infection in the liver which happens because of the Hepatitis B virus or HBV.
The virus usually spreads through blood, semen or other body fluids.
HBV is a major health concern globally and nationally, affecting approximately 296 million people and resulting in around 887,000 deaths annually due to complications like end-stage liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Despite the availability of an effective vaccine for over 30 years, infection rates remain high, particularly in countries with lower socio-demographic indices like India.

Symptoms:

The most common symptoms of Hepatitis B are jaundice, fever, fatigue that lasts for weeks or even months, vomiting, loss of appetite, and pain in joints or belly.
When it is acute, the virus lasts a small time and doesn’t always necessarily need treatments although it can get serious and lead to life-threatening diseases like organ scarring, liver failure and even cancer.

Prevention:

Source: DTE