
Awareness and Hindrances to Hepatitis C Screening Among UAE Social Media Users: A Comprehensive Study
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
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