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

• Published in: Yonsei medical journal 2022-12, Vol.63 (12), p.1088-1098
• Main Authors: Lee, Hye Won, Kim, Myunghwa, Youn, Jin, Singh, Shikha, Ahn, Sang Hoon
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Heart Rate; Hepatitis C - diagnosis; Humans; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Republic of Korea
• ISSN: 0513-5796; 1976-2437
• DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2022.0332

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. 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. 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. 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.