Publication Type : Journal Article
Publisher : National Library of Medicine
Url : https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33270536/
Campus : Kochi
School : School of Medicine
Year : 2020
Abstract : India's National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme recommends screening outpatients for hepatitis B at tertiary care centres. We aimed to assess the yield of screening and reasons for refusal for testing. We included adult outpatients at a tertiary care centre, South India during September and October 2019. Participants' willingness to be tested and the reasons for refusal were noted. Fingerstick blood sample was tested for HBsAg using rapid kit. Of a total of 700 participants, 157 (22%, 95% CI: 19.4-25.7%) were unwilling to be tested. Men were more unwilling (26%) compared to women (19%) (aPR 1.90 95% CI: 1.22-2.94; p = 0.004). 'Lack of time' was the most common reason reported for refusal (10%). Of 543 participants tested, 15 (2.8%, 95% CI: 1.6-4.5%) were positive for HBsAg. Similar studies from other regions in India are required for the estimation of yield of opportunistic approach.
Cite this Research Publication : Kumar SS, Chinnakali P, Dhodapkar R, Mohan P, Olickal JJ, Hamide A. Willingness and yield of screening for hepatitis B among outpatients of a tertiary care centre, Puducherry, South India. Tropical Doctor 2020:004947552097594.