Knowledge, Perceptions and Preventive Practices of Hepatitis C Infection among undergraduates of University of Cross River State, Calabar, Nigeria.

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a liver disease that can lead to serious complications such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, perceptions, and preventive practices regarding HCV infection among undergraduates at the University of Cross River State. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 400 undergraduate students aged 18 years and above. Participants were recruited using a multistage sampling technique after obtaining informed consent. Data were collected through a pretested, semi-structured questionnaire assessing knowledge, perceptions, and preventive practices related to HCV. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 27, with statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Approximately 80% of participants had heard of hepatitis C infection, with the most common sources of information being schools, social media, and mass media. However, only 36.3% correctly identified a virus as the causative agent of hepatitis C. There was no statistically significant association between knowledge levels and demographic variables such as age and sex. Preventive practices were relatively well understood, with high proportions of respondents endorsing practices such as regular handwashing and glove use (67.8%), safe handling of disposable sharp objects (87.3%), consistent condom use (71.5%), and adherence to safe injection practices (78.3%). Conclusion: Despite high levels of awareness, actual knowledge of hepatitis C among undergraduates was predominantly poor to average. This highlights a critical gap between awareness and understanding, underscoring the need for targeted health education interventions aimed at improving knowledge and promoting effective preventive practices in this population.