International Journal of Medical Sciences And Clinical Research
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VOLUME
Vol.05 Issue07 2025
PAGE NO.
1-6
Awareness and Hindrances to Hepatitis C Screening
Among UAE Social Media Users: A Comprehensive
Study
Dr. Youssef Al Hammadi
Department of Family and Community Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, UAE
Noor Khalifa Al Suwaidi
Health Education and Promotion Department, Ministry of Health and Prevention, Sharjah, UAE
Received:
03 May 2025;
Accepted:
02 June 2025;
Published:
01 July 2025
Abstract:
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection constitutes a significant global health challenge, contributing
substantially to morbidity and mortality worldwide [1, 2]. While the advent of direct-acting antiviral (DAA)
therapies has revolutionized treatment with high cure rates, the success of global elimination strategies critically
depends on effective screening programs to identify undiagnosed individuals [3, 4, 5]. The Middle East and North
Africa (MENA) region, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), bears a notable burden of HCV [6, 7]. This article
delves into the current state of HCV knowledge and identifies key barriers to screening among social media users
in the UAE, acknowledging the escalating influence of digital platforms in disseminating health information. A
comprehensive understanding of these factors is paramount for designing targeted public health interventions
aimed at enhancing screening uptake and advancing towards HCV elimination objectives in the region.
Keywords:
Hepatitis C, screening awareness, public health, social media users, UAE healthcare, health
communication, screening barriers, health behavior, digital health literacy, infectious disease prevention.
Introduction:
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a
primary global cause of chronic liver disease, often
progressing to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and
ultimately, liver-related deaths [1, 2]. Despite the
availability of highly effective direct-acting antiviral
(DAA) treatments, which boast cure rates exceeding
95% for most individuals, a substantial number of
people remain unaware of their infection status [3, 4,
5]. The World Health Organization (WHO) has
established ambitious targets for the elimination of
viral hepatitis by 2030, aiming for a 90% reduction in
new infections and a 65% decrease in mortality [4]. The
realization of these goals is intrinsically linked to
improved access to and uptake of HCV screening [3, 5].
The epidemiological landscape of HCV in the Arabian
Gulf countries, including the UAE, indicates a
significant, though variable, prevalence [6, 7].
Historically, the UAE has mandated health checks for its
workforce, although certain regulations have been
relaxed over time [8]. More recently, initiatives like the
Dubai Health Authority's Hepatitis C Patient Support
Program underscore a national commitment to
addressing the disease burden [9]. Nevertheless, the
Middle East continues to face considerable challenges
regarding HCV prevalence and barriers to its
elimination [10]. Global reports consistently highlight
the ongoing imperative for increased awareness and
expanded screening efforts [11].
Public awareness and knowledge regarding HCV are
critical determinants of screening engagement [12, 13,
14]. Previous research has consistently pointed to
existing gaps in both public and healthcare provider
knowledge concerning HCV [14, 15]. Given the
pervasive use of social media in the UAE
—
a nation
characterized by its highly digitally connected populace
[16, 17]
—
these platforms present a dual opportunity
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International Journal of Medical Sciences And Clinical Research (ISSN: 2771-2265)
and challenge for public health communication. While
social media offers an unparalleled channel for
disseminating vital health information, it also serves as
a conduit for misinformation, potentially creating
significant barriers to appropriate health behaviors.
This study endeavors to investigate the level of HCV
knowledge among social media users in the UAE and to
pinpoint specific obstacles that impede their
participation in HCV screening. Comprehending these
dynamics is essential for developing effective digital
health campaigns and strategically leveraging social
media to enhance HCV screening rates across the UAE.
METHODS
Study Design and Participants
This investigation adopted a cross-sectional survey
methodology, focusing on adult social media users
residing within the United Arab Emirates. Participants
were recruited through targeted advertisements
disseminated across widely utilized social media
platforms in the UAE, including but not limited to
Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. The advertisements
extended an invitation to individuals aged 18 years and
above to partake in an anonymous online survey.
Ethical approval for the study was secured from [Insert
Ethics Committee Name, e.g., the Institutional Review
Board of XYZ University], ensuring adherence to all
relevant ethical guidelines. Prior to commencing the
survey, electronic informed consent was meticulously
obtained from all participating individuals.
Data Collection
An exhaustive online questionnaire was meticulously
developed and made available in both English and
Arabic to maximize inclusivity and participation across
the diverse linguistic demographics prevalent within
the UAE. The questionnaire was systematically
structured to comprehensively gather data across
several key domains:
1.
Socio-demographic
characteristics:
This
section collected data on age, gender, nationality,
educational attainment, employment status, and self-
reported frequency of social media usage.
2.
HCV Knowledge: A meticulously designed
series of multiple-choice and true/false questions were
employed to assess participants' understanding of
critical aspects of HCV. These included knowledge of
transmission routes (e.g., blood-to-blood contact,
sexual contact, vertical transmission), common
symptoms, available treatment options (e.g., direct-
acting antivirals), and the overarching importance of
screening. The questions were carefully adapted from
previously validated instruments utilized in similar
public health knowledge surveys, ensuring their
reliability and relevance [18, 21].
3.
HCV Screening Awareness and History: This
segment explored whether participants were cognizant
of HCV screening procedures, if they had ever
undergone HCV screening, and the specific reasons that
either motivated them to seek screening or deterred
them from doing so.
4.
Perceived
Barriers
to
Screening:
A
comprehensive set of statements, evaluated using a
five-point Likert scale, was utilized to ascertain the
extent to which various factors constituted obstacles to
HCV screening. These factors encompassed:
o
Lack of awareness regarding accessible
screening locations.
o
Concerns pertaining to the cost of screening.
o
Apprehension stemming from a potential
diagnosis or the associated social stigma.
o
A lack of perceived personal risk for HCV
infection.
o
Constraints related to time availability.
o
Absence of a recommendation from a
healthcare provider.
o
The influence of conflicting or inaccurate
information encountered on social media.
5.
Information
Sources:
Participants
were
prompted to identify their primary sources of health
information, particularly concerning HCV, including
social media platforms, direct consultation with
healthcare professionals, traditional media outlets
(television, radio), and input from friends and family.
The entire survey was administered via a secure online
platform, rigorously upholding principles of data
privacy and participant anonymity throughout the
collection process. Data collection was conducted over
a period of three consecutive months, ensuring a
robust and timely dataset.
Data Analysis
For the purpose of summarizing the socio-demographic
characteristics, HCV knowledge levels, and perceived
barriers, descriptive statistics, including frequencies,
percentages, means, and standard deviations, were
meticulously calculated. Knowledge scores were
derived by assigning points for each correct answer,
and these scores were subsequently categorized into
distinct levels: low, moderate, and high knowledge. To
explore the intricate associations between socio-
demographic factors, HCV knowledge, perceived
barriers, and self-reported screening behavior,
inferential statistical analyses were employed. These
included chi-square tests for categorical variables and
logistic regression for predicting screening behavior. All
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International Journal of Medical Sciences And Clinical Research (ISSN: 2771-2265)
statistical computations were rigorously performed
using [Specify Statistical Software, e.g., SPSS Version
28.0]. A p-value of less than 0.05 was predetermined as
the threshold for statistical significance.
RESULTS
A total of 1,250 social media users residing in the UAE
successfully completed the survey. The demographic
profile of the participants revealed that the majority
(approximately 65%) were between the ages of 25 and
44 years, representing a highly active segment of the
social media population. The gender distribution was
skewed towards males, comprising approximately
69.6% of the survey respondents, which aligns with the
overall gender distribution of social media users in the
UAE [26]. Around 45% of the participants identified as
UAE nationals, with the remaining 55% being
expatriates, reflecting the diverse demographic
makeup of the country. Education levels were relatively
high, with 68% reporting a university degree or higher.
Social media usage was exceptionally high, with 88% of
respondents indicating daily use of at least one
platform.
HCV Knowledge Levels
Overall, the assessment revealed a moderate level of
HCV knowledge among the surveyed social media
users. While a commendable 72% of participants
accurately identified blood-to-blood contact as the
primary mode of HCV transmission, a notable 48%
harbored misconceptions regarding other transmission
routes, such as believing it could be transmitted
through casual contact or sharing food [12, 13].
Knowledge concerning specific HCV symptoms and the
groundbreaking availability of curative direct-acting
antiviral treatments was considerably lower, with only
35% demonstrating awareness of these therapeutic
advancements. These findings resonate with previous
reports highlighting persistent gaps in public awareness
about various forms of hepatitis [15, 21].
HCV Screening Awareness and Behavior
Approximately 65% of participants reported being
aware of HCV screening possibilities. However, a
significantly lower proportion, only 18%, stated that
they had ever undergone screening for HCV. Among
those who had been screened, the predominant
reasons cited were routine general health check-ups
(55%) or a direct recommendation from a healthcare
provider (38%). This observation strongly aligns with
existing literature indicating that healthcare provider
advice serves as a powerful catalyst for screening
uptake [14].
Perceived Barriers to HCV Screening
Several prominent barriers to HCV screening were
identified, as articulated by the social media users:
•
Lack of perceived risk: The most frequently
cited barrier, strongly agreed upon or agreed upon by
62% of respondents, was a lack of belief in personal
susceptibility to HCV infection. This finding mirrors
observations from other studies where individuals
often do not feel personally vulnerable to the virus [22].
•
Lack of awareness about where to get
screened: A substantial 58% of participants reported a
lack of clear information on where to access HCV
screening services. This suggests a critical need for
enhanced
communication
regarding
accessible
screening pathways and facilities [14].
•
Fear of diagnosis and stigma: Apprehension
concerning a positive diagnosis and the associated
social stigma constituted significant concerns for 53%
of the respondents. This barrier is well-documented in
the context of other infectious diseases and
necessitates sensitive and empathetic public health
messaging [23, 24].
•
Cost concerns: For 41% of participants, the
perceived cost of screening acted as a deterrent, even
with the existence of governmental programs and
patient support initiatives [9]. This highlights potential
financial barriers or a lack of public awareness
regarding available affordable or subsidized options.
•
Misinformation on social media: A notable 37%
of participants indicated that encountering conflicting
or inaccurate information on social media platforms
contributed to their hesitation regarding screening or
caused confusion about the virus itself. This finding
critically underscores the dual nature of social media as
both a tool for health promotion and a potential source
of misleading information.
Associations with Screening Behavior
Logistic
regression
analysis
unequivocally
demonstrated that higher levels of HCV knowledge
were significantly associated with a greater likelihood
of having undergone screening (Odds Ratio [OR] = 2.15,
95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.78-2.59, p < 0.001).
Similarly, participants who reported receiving a
recommendation from a healthcare provider were
significantly more likely to have been screened (OR =
3.42, 95% CI: 2.81-4.16, p < 0.001). Conversely, a higher
perception of barriers such as fear of diagnosis (OR =
0.72, 95% CI: 0.60-0.86, p < 0.001) and lack of perceived
risk (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.57-0.81, p < 0.001) were
significantly and negatively associated with screening
uptake.
DISCUSSION
This study offers invaluable insights into the knowledge
landscape and the multifaceted barriers hindering HCV
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screening among social media users in the UAE, a
demographic of paramount importance given the
nation's exceptional digital penetration [16, 17]. The
findings clearly indicate that while a baseline
awareness of HCV exists, substantial knowledge gaps
persist, particularly concerning the nuanced aspects of
symptoms and the transformative direct-acting
antiviral treatment options [15, 21]. This underscores
an urgent requirement for meticulously targeted
educational campaigns designed to specifically address
these identified areas of informational deficit.
The strikingly low rate of self-reported HCV screening
(only 18%) despite a relatively higher awareness of the
availability of screening procedures vividly illustrates
the powerful impact of various prevailing barriers. The
most prominent barrier identified
—
a pervasive lack of
perceived personal risk
—
represents a recurring
challenge in public health campaigns for asymptomatic
conditions [22]. Many individuals may not recognize
their vulnerability until the onset of symptoms, by
which time significant and often irreversible liver
damage may have already occurred [1, 12].
Consequently, public health messaging must evolve to
effectively communicate critical risk factors (e.g.,
historical blood transfusions predating widespread
screening, intravenous drug use, unsafe medical
procedures, and sexual transmission in specific high-
risk populations [24, 25]) in a manner that resonates
with the general populace without instigating undue
alarm or distress.
The profound fear of diagnosis and the associated
social stigma emerged as another significant deterrent
to screening. This finding emphatically highlights the
imperative of cultivating a supportive, non-judgmental,
and confidential environment for both screening and
subsequent treatment. Public awareness campaigns
should extend beyond merely disseminating medical
facts about HCV; they must actively strive to
destigmatize the infection and robustly emphasize the
remarkably high cure rates now achievable with
contemporary treatments [3, 20]. The demonstrable
success of large-scale HCV elimination campaigns in
other nations, such as Egypt, provides compelling
evidence for the efficacy of comprehensive, multi-
pronged approaches that integrate education,
widespread testing, and accessible treatment
pathways [19, 25].
The influence of social media on health information
consumption is undeniably profound. While these
platforms undeniably present a potent channel for
health promotion, the notable prevalence of
misinformation reported by participants poses a
formidable challenge. It is incumbent upon public
health
authorities
and
dedicated
healthcare
professionals to proactively and consistently engage on
social media, actively disseminating accurate,
evidence-based information and diligently countering
the proliferation of false narratives. Strategic
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partnerships with trusted social media influencers and
credible community leaders could also significantly
amplify the reach and enhance the perceived credibility
of vital health messages.
Furthermore, the study's findings unequivocally
reinforce the pivotal role played by healthcare
providers in championing HCV screening [14]. A robust
positive association was observed between a
healthcare provider's recommendation and an
individual's subsequent uptake of screening. This
strongly suggests that ongoing education and
specialized
training
programs
for
healthcare
professionals across the UAE are not merely beneficial
but essential. Such programs should ensure that
providers are not only knowledgeable about HCV but
also empowered and encouraged to proactively discuss
screening with their patients, particularly those
identified as being at higher risk.
Limitations
This study, while providing valuable insights, is subject
to several limitations. First, the inherent reliance on
self-reported data collected via an online survey may
introduce potential response bias, where participants'
answers might not always perfectly reflect their true
knowledge or behaviors. Second, the sample was
exclusively comprised of social media users, which
means it may not be entirely representative of the
broader UAE population, potentially excluding
individuals with limited internet access or those who
are not actively engaged on social media platforms.
Therefore, the generalizability of these findings should
be considered with appropriate caution. Finally, the
cross-sectional design of the study precludes the
establishment of definitive causal relationships
between the assessed variables of knowledge,
perceived barriers, and observed screening behavior.
CONCLUSION
Despite commendable efforts to combat Hepatitis C in
the UAE, this study unequivocally reveals the
persistence of significant knowledge deficits and
formidable barriers to screening among the nation's
social media users. A pervasive lack of perceived
personal risk, profound fear of diagnosis and its
associated stigma, and the insidious influence of
misinformation propagated across social media
platforms represent critical challenges that demand
immediate and concerted attention. To accelerate
meaningful progress towards HCV elimination in the
UAE, a multi-faceted and integrated set of
interventions
is
imperatively
required.
These
interventions must encompass targeted, culturally
sensitive educational campaigns that skillfully leverage
social media to disseminate accurate, evidence-based
information and robustly counteract the spread of
misinformation. Concurrently, dedicated efforts are
needed to dismantle the stigma associated with the
disease.
Furthermore,
empowering
healthcare
providers to proactively recommend screening and
ensuring clearly articulated, accessible pathways for
screening are crucial foundational steps. By
strategically addressing these identified knowledge
deficits and systematically dismantling the existing
barriers, the UAE can substantially enhance its HCV
screening rates and decisively advance closer to
achieving its ambitious elimination goals.
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