Complete_data_healthhui.xlsx from A liver health hui: hepatitis C knowledge and associated risk factors in New Zealand gang members and their families

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and B virus (HBV) infections are highly prevalent, with a high percentage of undiagnosed cases. Knowledge of HCV and its modes of transmission are essential for disease prevention and management. We studied a high-risk New Zealand gang population on viral hepatitis prevalence, their level of knowledge and the liver health risk factors in a community setting. Participants completed demographic, risk factor and knowledge questionnaires in three health meetings in New Zealand. Participants' blood samples were tested for HBV, HCV, biochemical indicators of liver disease. Liver fibrosis levels were assessed using a Fibroscan^® device. We studied 52 adult Mongrel Mob members, affiliates and whānau (extended family) throughout New Zealand. We identified no HCV and two HBV cases, confirmed high-risk factors levels and poor associated knowledge, with a significant association between lack of knowledge and presence of specific risk factors. We successfully conducted a community-focused, high-risk, hard-to-reach gang population study, and found a link between lack of knowledge and risk factors for HCV infection. This study provided first-of-its-kind data on viral hepatitis in a gang population; demonstrated the need for educational screening programmes to aid early HCV detection, prevention and treatment.

丙型肝炎病毒（Hepatitis C virus, HCV）与乙型肝炎病毒（Hepatitis B virus, HBV）感染的流行率极高，且存在大量未被确诊的病例。了解丙型肝炎病毒（HCV）及其传播途径，对于疾病的预防与管理至关重要。本研究针对新西兰境内的高危帮派人群，开展了关于病毒性肝炎流行率、认知水平及社区环境下肝脏健康风险因素的调查研究。研究对象在新西兰举办的三场健康座谈会中，完成了人口统计学信息、风险因素及认知水平相关问卷；研究人员采集了参与者的血液样本，用于乙型肝炎病毒（HBV）、丙型肝炎病毒（HCV）及肝脏疾病生化指标的检测，并使用Fibroscan®设备评估受试者的肝纤维化程度。本研究共纳入新西兰境内52名成年Mongrel Mob成员、附属人员及whānau（扩展家庭）成员。研究结果显示，本次研究未检出HCV感染病例，确诊2例HBV感染病例；同时发现高危风险因素水平较高，且相关认知水平低下，认知匮乏与特定风险因素的存在之间存在显著关联。本研究成功完成了一项针对社区化高危且难以接触的帮派人群的研究，证实认知匮乏与HCV感染风险因素之间存在关联；本研究首次提供了帮派人群中病毒性肝炎的相关数据，证明亟需开展教育性筛查项目，以助力HCV的早期检测、预防与治疗。