INVESTIGATION ON THE CURRENT STATUS OF HEPATITIS PREVENTION AND CONTROL KNOWLEDGE POPULARIZATION IN RURAL AREAS OF NORTHWEST CHINA AND PUBLIC HEALTH EDUCATION STRATEGIES

Abstract

Hepatitis epidemic prevention and control in rural areas of the Northwest is a major challenge in the field of public health. Due to remote geographical locations, limited medical resources, and generally low education levels, the dissemination of knowledge about hepatitis is difficult. This study collected data from rural residents and health workers in the five provinces and autonomous regions of Northwest China. Employing a cross-sectional study design and multi-stage sampling methods, the study utilized questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and other means to analyze the current status of hepatitis prevention and treatment knowledge dissemination, resident’s preventive and treatment behaviors, and strategies to improve public health education. The research shows that the current rate of hepatitis knowledge dissemination in Northwest rural areas is less than 50%, and the mastery of correct prevention and treatment knowledge is even lower. The use of health education resources is uneven, primarily revolving around television and radio, with insufficient bandwidth and information identification abilities limiting the penetration rate of the internet. In response to factors such as low literacy rates and outdated information technology, the study proposes a multi-channel health education strategy that combines traditional and new media interactions, designs educational content targetedly.