Knowledge of hepatitis and screening uptake in France’s overseas departments and regions: data from the 2014 DOM Health Barometer
Santé publique France has released a new section of the "2014 Health Barometer in the Overseas Departments" survey, focusing on how well-informed residents of the overseas departments feel about viral hepatitis B and C and their use of screening tests for these diseases.
A Significant Lack of Awareness About Hepatitis
A survey conducted in 2014 in Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, and Réunion among a representative sample of more than 8,000 individuals indicates that fewer than 4 in 10 people report feeling fairly well or very well informed on the subject. This proportion, which ranges from 32.0% in Réunion to 38.5% in Guadeloupe and 38.6% in Martinique, is lower than in mainland France, where it is estimated at 42.4%.
The perception of being “fairly” or “very” well-informed does not differ by gender among respondents in the DROMs, unlike in mainland France, where it is more common among women than men (44.5% vs. 40.1%). It tends to increase with age in all the DROMs (as in mainland France), and graduates are more likely to feel somewhat or very well-informed.
Overall, less than one-third of people aged 15–30 report being well-informed about viral hepatitis in the DROMs. This is concerning, as this age group is particularly at risk of HBV and HCV infection (due to sexual activity, drug use, tattoos, piercings, etc.).
Screening Practices in the French Overseas Departments and Regions
The proportion of people reporting having been screened for hepatitis B or hepatitis C is higher than in mainland France (19.4% for HCV and 14.8% for HBV in 2010). In fact, depending on the DROM, between three and four out of ten respondents say they have already been screened. The figures are highest in French Guiana (46.3% for HCV, 44.6% for HBV).
The survey analyzes and discusses, in turn, the factors associated with reported use of screening (gender, age, educational level and employment status, parents of young children, place of birth (DROM or mainland France), intravenous or intranasal drug use, history of hepatitis B or C, etc.).
It provides initial indicators for the DROMs studied and highlights, as was the case in mainland France, the need to improve the general population’s knowledge of hepatitis B and C, in order to make those most at risk aware of their risk factors and encourage the adoption of preventive measures: screening and vaccination (for hepatitis B).
For more information:
Gautier A., Brouard C. DOM Health Barometer 2014. Hepatitis B and C. Saint-Maurice: Santé publique France, 2017: 12 p.
