1 1 Research report – December 2015 Hepatitis C Barometer among GPs in Belgium

2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES KEY FINDINGS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 0102

3 SAMPLE DESCRIPTION DATA-COLLECTION METHOD FIELDWORK PERIOD SAMPLE SIZEQUOTA AVG. INTERVIEW DURATION minutes 7 respondents n=100CAWI FROM: 01/12/2015 TO: 21/12/2015 Regions (representative sample of Belgian general practitioners) General Practitioners in Belgium RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

4 BACKGROUND: In addition to the research among the general population and the politicians, the Save Your Liver Barometer has the purpose now to obtain insights on the knowledge of Hepatitis C among general practitioners (GP’s). OBJECTIVES: The research addressed the following topics: Incidence of hepatitis C Diagnosis of hepatitis C Prevention of hepatitis C Treatment of hepatitis C BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

5 KEY FINDINGS

6 Socio-demographic profile of the GP’s: Region and years of experience Sample composition is representative for the Belgian GP’s Base:Total sample (n=100) Question:S2. In which region do you work as a general practitioner? S1. How many years of experience do you have as a general practitioner? 55% 13% 32%

7 Number of patients suffering from hepatitis C Most GP’s see between 1 to 10 patients suffering from hepatitis C. In Brussel GP’s tend to see a higher number of hepatitis C patients. Base:Total sample (n=100) Question:Q1. How many of your patients are suffering from hepatitis C? TOTALFlandersBrusselsWallonia (A)(B)(C)

8 Types of hepatitis patients are tested for Most GP’s test for all 3 types of hepatitis. Higher test rates are for Hepatitis B Base:Total sample (n=100) Question:Q2. What types of hepatitis do you test your patients for? TOTAL Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Hepatitis C None of these FLANDERSBRUSSELSWALLONIA n=100n=55n=15n=32 (A)(B)(C)

9 Circumstances to test for hepatitis C – GP’s that test for hepatitis C Risky behaviour and increased level of transaminases are two main reasons for testing patients for hepatitis C, with risky behaviour being more important in Flanders and transaminases in Brussels and Wallonia. Complaints matter mainly in Brussels. Base:GP’s that test for hepatitis C (n=91) Question:Q3. Under what circumstances do you test for hepatitis C? TOTAL In case a patient asks for it after risky behaviour In case of an increased level of transaminases In case of several complaints (sleep deprivation, abdominal pain,...) *Other FLANDERSBRUSSELSWALLONIA n=91n=55n=13n=32 (A)(B)(C) A * Such as: Antecedent transfusions Body piercings/tattoos Professional (travel, work accident,…) …

10 Referral to a gastroenterologist - GP’s that test for hepatitis C Almost all GP’s refer their hepatitis C screened patients to a gastroenterologist. Few GP’s who do not refer their patients are based in Flanders. Base:GP’s that test for hepatitis C (n=91) Question:Q4. Do you send your screened patients to a gastroenterologist? TOTALFLANDERS BRUSSELSWALLONIA n=91n=55n=13n=32 (A)(B)(C)

11 Ways to prevent a hepatitis C virus infection Mainly some misunderstanding about the fact that hepatitis C virus infection can’t be prevented by thoroughly cleaning the injection material. Yet, 30% are wrong about the use of contraceptives and 20% are incorrect about use of personal razor and vaccination. Base:Total sample (n=100) Question:Q5. According to you, how can we prevent a hepatitis C virus infection? By using contraceptives By using a personal razor By using personal and sterile syringes and needles By thoroughly cleaning the injection material By vaccinating against hepatitis C TOTALFLANDERSBRUSSELSWALLONIA n=100n=55n=13n=32 (A)(B)(C)

12 Ways to prevent a hepatitis C virus infection General level of GP’s on hepatitis C is rather satisfactory with majority able to provide 3 or more correct answers to the 5 statements about prevention of a hepatitis C. 2/3 have 4 to 5 correct statements. Base:Total sample (n=100) Question:Q5. According to you, how can we prevent a hepatitis C virus infection? TOTALFlandersBrusselsWallonia (A)(B)(C) 70%73%69% 66%

13 Confusion regarding side effects of hepatitis C treatment, curability and treatment of drugs users & patients using a substitution treatment. 30% of GP’s think that you can’t get re-infected after a successful treatment for hepatitis C. Treatment of a hepatitis C virus infection Base:Total sample (n=100) Question:Q6. Are following statements about the treatment of hepatitis C correct according to you? Co-infection of HIV and hepatitis C can be treated. You can get re-infected after a successful treatment for hepatitis C. Hepatitis that is not treated can lead to liver cirrhosis with a significant risk for developing liver cancer. Hepatitis C is for 90% curable. People who use drugs or follow a substitution treatment can't be treated for hepatitis C. Treating hepatitis C has serious side effects TOTALFLANDERSBRUSSELSWALLONIA n=100n=55n=13n=32 (A)(B)(C)

14 Treatment of a hepatitis C virus infection Satisfactory understanding of treatment of hepatitis C among GP’s, although only about 15% have all statements correctly. Base:Total sample (n=100) Question:Q6. Are following statements about the treatment of hepatitis C correct according to you? TOTALFlandersBrusselsWallonia (A)(B)(C) 74%73%69% 78%

15 Treatment of a hepatitis C virus infection A significant greater amount of more experienced GP’s answer al statements correctly compared to less experienced GP’s. Base:Total sample (n=100) Question:Q6. Are following statements about the treatment of hepatitis C correct according to you? TOTALMore experiencedLess experienced (A)(B) 74% 76%72%

16 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

17 Executive Summary - Need of information on prevention and treatment INCIDENCE: GP’s see between 1 to 10 patients suffering from hepatitis C, somewhat higher number stated in Brussels. DIAGNOSIS: Most GP’s test for all 3 types of hepatitis. Hepatitis C is tested by 9 out of 10 GP’s, with a higher test rate in Walloon region. The most common reason for testing for hepatitis C is when a patient shows a risky behaviour. However, in Brussels and Wallonia a greater number of GP’s test in case of an increased level of transaminases. Almost all GP’s send their hepatitis C screened patients to a gastroenterologist. PREVENTION: GP’s have a moderate knowledge of how to prevent a hepatitis C virus infection. Further information on material cleaning, use of contraception, use of personal razor and vaccinations is advised. TREATMENT: GP’s do not yet have a good knowledge about the new revolutionary treatments that change the face of hepatitis C treatment. Information needs concern clarity about side effects of treatment, chance of re-infection, curability and treatment of drug users & patients on a substitution treatment.

18 THANK YOU 18