The Knowledge of Hepatitis C Virus Among Rural Women in Umuri Amaimo, Ikeduru L.g.a, Imo State.

Assessment of the knowledge of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) among rural women in Umuri Amaimo, Ikeduru L.G.A, Imo State, Nigeria was carried out in this study. Hepatitis C Virus poses a significant public health threat globally, with rural areas often facing higher prevalence rates due to various socio-economic factors. However, there is a lack of research specifically focusing on the knowledge levels of rural women regarding HCV in this specific location. The research employed a descriptive cross-sectional design, surveying 88 women using structured questionnaires. The findings reveal that 51.14% of participants were aware of HCV, while knowledge of specific transmission routes was lower at 45.46%. Awareness of symptoms (36.36%), prevention methods (34.09%), and treatment options (22.73%) were also significantly low. The primary source of information was health workers (63.64%), followed by radio/television (15.91%). Education level significantly influenced knowledge, with 68.18% of participants having no formal education, correlating with poorer HCV awareness. Regular access to healthcare services (64.77%) and exposure to health education (56.82%) were associated with higher knowledge levels. Major gaps identified include lack of knowledge about symptoms (62.5%), misconceptions about transmission (70.46%), and unawareness of prevention (82.96%) and treatment options (88.64%). Therefore there is a pressing need for targeted educational interventions and improved healthcare access to enhance HCV knowledge among rural women in Umuri Amaimo. The Findings underscore the critical role of education and healthcare in addressing health literacy gaps.