Attitude and Practices Regarding Use of Direct Acting Antiviral Agents (DAAs) in the Treatment of Hepatitis C among Health Care Practitioners “A Survey-based Study”

Approximately 3% of the world population has been known to be infected with HCV. Hepatitis C virus is a major etiological factor behind the development of liver diseases such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Interferon-based therapy has remained as the mainstay treatment for HCV for decades. Owing to the unavoidable side effects of interferon, direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have been approved recently for the treatment of HCV-infected patient. These drugs have brought revolution in the management of HCV because of their favorable side effects profiles and enhanced rates of sustained virological response. We conducted a questionnaire-based survey study to assess the knowledge and current practices among specialists and senior post graduate trainees regarding treatment of HCV with DAAs. The questionnaire was based on latest WHO guidelines for treating HCV. The results obtained were collected and tabulated. Majority (95%) of physicians were between the age of 21-30 years and mostly (69.6%) were females. Almost three fourth of the practitioners were aware of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) and 70.2% agreed that they reduce the duration of treatment along with low bill burden along with lesser side effects. In this study, we could see that the participants’ knowledge and practices regarding use of DAAs, preference over interferon therapy and recommended combinations for different age groups was appreciable, however there is still a gap of knowledge among doctors regarding treatment of HCV with DAAs which needs to be filled with the help of proper health educational programs and training.