Knowledge and practices related to hepatitis A among adolescents: a cross-sectional study in Curitiba, Paraná, 2024

OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge and practices of adolescents attending state public schools in Curitiba, Paraná, regarding hepatitis A. METHODS: A cross-sectional study evaluating the knowledge and practices of adolescents aged 16 years or older, recruited by convenience sampling from public schools in Curitiba, Paraná. Knowledge was assessed using multiple-choice questions, organized into three dimensions: Pathology; Transmission and Symptomatology; and Prevention and Cure. Risk behaviors were scored in ascending order of exposure and grouped into five dimensions: Hygiene; Dietary Habits; Drinking Water; Tobacco Products; and Sexual Behaviors. Scores were standardized on a 0-10 scale and classified as very low (0⊢2.5), low (2.5⊢5), moderate (5⊢7.5), and high (7.5⊢10). Appropriate descriptive and inferential analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 298 adolescents participated (52.0% female; 63.1% self-identified as White), with a mean age of 16.6±0.7 years. The mean knowledge score was 3.7±3.0 and was higher among females (p=0.039). The lowest mean score was observed in the Transmission and Symptomatology dimension (3.3±3.2; p<0.001). The mean risk behaviors score was 1.7±1.3 and was higher among males (p=0.001); higher scores indicate greater exposure to risk behaviors. The Sexual Behaviors dimension presented the highest score (6.3±1.4; p<0.001). No correlation was found between knowledge and risk behaviors (Spearman's rho=0.00; p=0.983). CONCLUSION: Knowledge about hepatitis A was low, particularly regarding transmission and symptoms. Although the overall risk behaviors score fell within the low category, the Sexual Behaviors dimension was classified as moderate, indicating a relevant vulnerability that requires targeted interventions for adolescents.