Lack of awareness and perception of transmission in hepatitis C: Breaking points in access to diagnosis and treatment

Background and Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the awareness, perceptions of transmission routes, treatment history, and interaction with primary healthcare services among individuals infected with hepatitis C virus. Materails and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 at a tertiary center in the Western Mediterranean region of Turkey. A total of 359 anti- hepatitis C virus positive individuals aged over 18 were included. Structured face-to-face interviews were performed using a standardized questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Results: Among the participants, 62.7% had hepatitis C virus RNA positivity, yet 42.2% of this group had never received treatment. Of the untreated patients, 83.2% reported no knowledge about hepatitis C. Misconceptions regarding transmission routes were widespread, and the involvement of family physicians in hepatitis C virus screening was limited. Although 75.7% of participants knew their family physician, only 7.8% had been tested for hepatitis by them. Conclusion: Awareness and access to treatment for hepatitis C virus in Turkey remain insufficient. Integration of primary care services into the hepatitis C virus care cascade, public awareness campaigns, and widespread implementation of reflex hepatitis C virus RNA testing are crucial for achieving national elimination goals.