Knowledge and Practices about dietary habits among hepatitis B and C patients attending two public sector hospitals at Islamabad

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To assess knowledge and practices about eating various foods in patients suffering from Hepatitis B and C attending two public sector hospitals in Islamabad.SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This cross-sectional survey was conducted atPakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and Federal Government Services Hospital (FGSH) in Islamabad, Pakistan; from December 2007 to May 2008 (6 months). PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred forty five (145) patients were selected through systematic random sampling. A pre-tested questionnaire was administered to collect the data at Outpatient Department of these hospitals; selecting every third hepatitis B or C patient and interviewing the respondents after taken an Informed written consent. RESULTS: Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 16.0 was used for analysis of the data. A total of 145 patients were interviewed, of whom 53% were females. Most respondents were educated up to matric or under, while 19% had no formal education. Spicy food and nuts were said to be the cause of hepatitis by 92% and 85% patients were avoiding spicy food in their diet. About 8% patients were not aware about relationship of diet and hepatitis. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the study population, though belonging to low income group, has adequate knowledge about the hepatitis. However, the misconceptions about spicy foods causing hepatitis among patients are commonly prevailing.