Assessing the epidemiological status and awareness level of hepatitis A virus among displaced populations in southern Gaza during the 2023-2024 conflict

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Parasitology-Epidemiology, Governmental Medical Service, Gaza, Palestine.

2 ISPITS-Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques of Marrakech, Morocco

Abstract

The broad impact of the 2023-2024 Gaza war resulted in extensive sickness and destruction, impacting all areas of life and resulting in a range of infectious and non-communicable diseases. The goal of this research is to assess the epidemiological situation of hepatitis A and gauge the level of knowledge and awareness among displaced individuals in the southern Gaza Valley. To accomplish this, 384 electronic surveys were sent randomly to internally displaced individuals. The questionnaire delved into: personal information, the disease's epidemiological status, an evaluation of knowledge, and the identification of risk factors. The results were revealing: over 32.80% of displaced individuals reported contracting hepatitis A during displacement, a stark contrast to the 12.80% who reported infection before displacement. Moreover, although around 63.30% of respondents had heard of hepatitis A, most were unaware of how the disease spreads and how to prevent it. The study recognized significant risk factors, including drinking contaminated water, mingling with infected individuals, the accumulation of garbage, the spread of insects, poor personal hygiene, and severe overcrowding. Furthermore, the findings of this research indicated a statistically significant relationship between contracting this infection and the type of housing in displacement, as well as the educational level of the participants, with P values below 0.05. Also, there was no statistically significant link between contracting the disease and where individuals lived while displaced. The study concluded that hepatitis A is widespread among the displaced population and highlighted a significant lack of information and awareness about its transmission and prevention.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Microbes and Infectious Diseases

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 18 August 2024

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