Finding from a distribution of Questionnaires has revealed that the general knowledge about viral Hepatitis on the island was relatively low.
This according to Michael Schultz-a Professor of Medicine at the University of Otago.
Schultz was amongst a team of Health professionals conducting a Hepatitis Elimination Programme on the island recently.
“The general knowledge is relatively low about viral hepatitis so only 30% was the knowledge shown out of 100% if you had all the questions correct, so that is relatively low,” he said.
Schultz said what struck him the most is that most people don’t really whether they are vaccinated against Hepatitis B, C or not, what he learnt based from the questionnaire is possibly the younger generation does know about vaccination status but the older generation might not know.
The main goal of the questionnaire distribution was the team wanted to learn if the Niue population knew about the risk factor that leads to an infection to Hepatitis B, C.
Schultz says they will be working with the Health Ministry to provide more promotional and educational materials to ensure more awareness and future sustainability of the Elimination of Viral Hepatitis on the island.
A total of 950 Questionnaires were distributed and translated in Vagahau Niue.