Yonsei Med J.  2022 Dec;63(12):1088-1098. 10.3349/ymj.2022.0332.

Liver Diseases in South Korea: A Pulse Check of the Public’s Knowledge, Awareness, and Behaviors

• Lee HW
• Kim M
• Youn J
• Singh S
• Ahn SH

• KMID: 2536358
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.2022.0332

Abstract

Purpose
National surveys in Korea have spotlighted suboptimal levels of awareness among the public towards liver-related health and diseases, leading to progressive reform of national policies and education efforts. This study aimed to assess the status of the Korean public’s knowledge towards liver-related diseases.
Materials and Methods
A self-reported, cross-sectional, web-based questionnaire study was conducted between February– March 2020 among 1000 Korean adults. Questionnaire items assessed the knowledge, awareness, and behaviors towards liver-related health and diseases.
Results
About half (50.9%–52.1%) knew untreated/chronic viral hepatitis could lead to liver failure and/or cancer. Misconceptions pertaining to viral hepatitis transmission risks exist with only 26.3% knowing viral hepatitis B cannot be transmitted by dining with an infected individual. About one-fifth (22.2%) were aware of an available cure for viral hepatitis C. Less than half were aware of the risk factors associated with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), despite 72.4% and 49.5% having heard of fatty liver disease and NASH, respectively. More than one-third were unlikely to seek medical consultation even if exposed to viral hepatitis risk factors or upon diagnosis with a liver condition. Reasons for this low urgency included costs-related concerns, perceptions of being healthy, and the viewpoint that the condition is not life-threatening.
Conclusion
The public’s knowledge towards liver-related diseases in Korea was found to be lacking, which could account for a lower sense of urgency towards screening and treatment. More efforts are needed to address misperceptions and dispel stigma in an effort to encourage pro-health seeking behaviors.

Keyword

Hepatitis B; hepatitis C; nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; knowledge; awareness