KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE TOWARD HEPATITIS C VIRUS SCREENING AMONG FAMILY MEDICINE JOINT PROGRAM RESIDENTS AT MAKKAH, 2020

Aim: This study aimed to explore the knowledge and practice of the joint program of family medicine (JPFM) candidates in Makkah regarding HCV screening. Materials and methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted among family medicine residents in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, during 2020. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the information. Data were tabulated in MS Excel and all statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 21. Results: There were 114 family medicine who were enrolled. The overall mean knowledge score was 18.8 (SD 4.17) out of 35 points with 56.1%, 36% and 7.9% were classified into moderate, poor and good level of knowledge. With regards to practices, the overall mean practices score was 21.8 (SD 7.32) out of 40 points with moderate, poor and good practices level were identified among 53.5%, 36.8% and 9.6%, respectively. Statistical test revealed that the level of training was the significant factor associated with both knowledge and practices toward HCV screening. Conclusion: Although the knowledge and practices of family medicine residents toward Hepatitis C virus screening were deemed moderate however, there are still room for improvement. The education about Hepatitis C virus screening should be more focused for those residents in their first year level of training. Keywords: Hepatitis C virus, Family medicine residents, Knowledge, practices Words: Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL), Stone free rate, large Renal Stones, pneumatic lithotripsy, ultrasonic lithotripsy