Knowledge, misconceptions, stigma, and screening for viral hepatitis among hospital attendees in western Turkiye: a cross-sectional study

Aims: We assessed knowledge, transmission-related misconceptions, stigmatising attitudes, and screening and vaccination behaviour for hepatitis A, B, and C among adults attending a university hospital in western Turkiye, and identified their independent determinants. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 240 adults (≥18 years). A structured questionnaire captured sociodemographic characteristics, a 15-item knowledge and transmission scale (correct, incorrect, or “don’t know”), three stigma items, and screening and vaccination practices. A knowledge score (0-15), a transmission-misconception score (0-4), and a stigma score (0-3) were analysed with Spearman correlation and multivariable regression. Results: The sample was predominantly female (59.2%), university-educated (80.4%), and 25.4% healthcare workers. The mean knowledge score was 8.73±4.72 of 15 (58.2% correct). “Don’t know” responses were frequent (mean 5.27) and strongly inversely correlated with knowledge (ρ=-0.93), whereas myth endorsement was uncommon (mean 0.50 of 4). Any stigmatising response was given by 41.2%. Knowledge was inversely associated with stigma (ρ=-0.35, p<0.001) and was its only independent predictor (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.88 per point, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.82-0.94). Ever-screening for hepatitis B and C was 46.2% and 35.0%, and full hepatitis B vaccination only 33.3%. Independent predictors of any screening included healthcare worker status (aOR 25.87), knowledge (aOR 1.21), and chronic disease (aOR 2.60). Conclusion: Even in a highly educated population, the dominant knowledge deficit was uncertainty rather than misconception, screening and vaccination uptake were suboptimal, and stigma was driven independently by knowledge rather than education or occupation. Resolving uncertainty through clear information from trusted health professionals may simultaneously reduce stigma and increase screening.