Awareness and Hindrances to Hepatitis C Screening Among UAE Social Media Users: A Comprehensive Study

Аннотация

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection constitutes a significant global health challenge, contributing substantially to morbidity and mortality worldwide [1, 2]. While the advent of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapies has revolutionized treatment with high cure rates, the success of global elimination strategies critically depends on effective screening programs to identify undiagnosed individuals [3, 4, 5]. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), bears a notable burden of HCV [6, 7]. This article delves into the current state of HCV knowledge and identifies key barriers to screening among social media users in the UAE, acknowledging the escalating influence of digital platforms in disseminating health information. A comprehensive understanding of these factors is paramount for designing targeted public health interventions aimed at enhancing screening uptake and advancing towards HCV elimination objectives in the region. Keywords: Hepatitis C, screening awareness, public health, social media users, UAE healthcare, health communication, screening barriers, health behavior, digital health literacy, infectious disease prevention. workforce, although certain regulations have been Introduction: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a relaxed over time [8]. More recently, initiatives like the primary global cause of chronic liver disease, often Dubai Health Authority's Hepatitis C Patient Support progressing to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and Program underscore a national commitment to ultimately, liver-related deaths [1, 2]. Despite the addressing the disease burden [9]. Nevertheless, the availability of highly effective direct-acting antiviral Middle East continues to face considerable challenges (DAA) treatments, which boast cure rates exceeding regarding HCV prevalence and barriers to its 95% for most individuals, a substantial number of elimination [10]. Global reports consistently highlight people remain unaware of their infection status [3, 4, the ongoing imperative for increased awareness and 5]. The World Health Organization (WHO) has expanded screening efforts [11]. established ambitious targets for the elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030, aiming for a 90% reduction in Public awareness and knowledge regarding HCV are new infections and a 65% decrease in mortality [4]. The critical determinants of screening engagement [12, 13, realization of these goals is intrinsically linked to 14]. Previous research has consistently pointed to improved access to and uptake of HCV screening [3, 5]. existing gaps in both public and healthcare provider knowledge concerning HCV [14, 15]. Given the The epidemiological landscape of HCV in the Arabian pervasive use of social media in the UAE—a nation Gulf countries, including the UAE, indicates a characterized by its highly digitally connected populace significant, though variable, prevalence [6, 7]. [16, 17]—these platforms present a dual opportunity Historically, the UAE has mandated health checks for its International Journal of Medical Sciences And Clinical Research 1 https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ijmscr International Journal of Medical Sciences And Clinical Research (ISSN: 2771-2265) and challenge for public health communication. While reliability and relevance [18, 21]. social media offers an unparalleled channel for 3. HCV Screening Awareness and History: This disseminating vital health information, it also serves as segment explored whether participants were cognizant a conduit for misinformation, potentially creating of HCV screening procedures, if they had ever significant barriers to appropriate health behaviors. undergone HCV screening, and the specific reasons that This study endeavors to investigate the level of HCV either motivated them to seek screening or deterred knowledge among social media users in the UAE and to them from doing so. pinpoint specific obstacles that impede their 4. Perceived Barriers to Screening: A participation in HCV screening. Comprehending these comprehensive set of statements, evaluated using a dynamics is essential for developing effective digital five-point Likert scale, was utilized to ascertain the health campaigns and strategically leveraging social extent to which various factors constituted obstacles to media to enhance HCV screening rates across the UAE. HCV screening. These factors encompassed: METHODS o Lack of awareness regarding accessible Study Design and Participants screening locations. This investigation adopted a cross-sectional survey o Concerns pertaining to the cost of screening. methodology, focusing on adult social media users o Apprehension stemming from a potential residing within the United Arab Emirates. Participants diagnosis or the associated social stigma. were recruited through targeted advertisements disseminated across widely utilized social media o A lack of perceived personal risk for HCV platforms in the UAE, including but not limit