A Study of Incidence of Fulminant Hepatic Failure in Paeditric Age Group and Knowledge, Behaviour & Attitude Regarding Etiology of Jaundice in Society

Object: To study the incidence and etiology of fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) in children and to study, attitude, behavior and knowledge regarding etiology and treatment of jaundice among the accompanying persons of cases of Jaundice.

Material & methods: The present study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics, Saraswathi Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS), Anwarpur, Hapur. 38570 children between 6 months to 18 years of age belonging to both rural and urban areas with signs and symptoms suggestive of liver disease and Children who fulfilled diagnostic criteria of FHF were included. Children were investigated for incidence and etiology of liver disease. A questionnaire was prepared to study the knowledge, attitude and behavior regarding etiology and treatment of jaundice among the accompanying persons of Jaundice Patients.

Result: Incidence of FHF was 1.4 per 1000 per year. Out of total 1010 jaundiced patients, incidence of FHF was 2.5%. Cases of FHF were maximum 61.1% in 5-15 year age group, Male: female ratio was almost equal in case of FHF (1.25:1). In our study etiological diagnosis was possible in 68.48% cases, out of which 61.08% were of viral etiology. 31.48%were idiopathic. Drug induced FHF was in 7.4%. Out of 1010 Jaundice patients, 370 patients (36.63%) were from urban area and 640 patients (63.36%) were from rural area. Commonest misconception was that the cause of hepatitis is super natural and they go to supernatural healers (Quacks) for treatment, 50% from urban area and 78.12% from rural area had this belief. They follow a special diet, they restrict protein, fat, Yellow Edible things like turmeric and not use full milk, in urban area 70.54% and In Rural area 84.37% had this belief. Knowledge and Awareness about immunisation, safe Injection and safe water was observed in accompanying persons of rural and urban area. it was found that there is less awareness in rural area then urban area. it was observed that there is significant co-relation between knowledge, attitude and behavior of public on the occurrence and complication of jaundice.

Conclusion: It is concluded that there is need to increase the public awareness by different educational programs regarding etiology of hepatitis and its prevention by immunisation for hepatitis A and B, use of safe injection, safe water and hygienic Sanitary habits. Early detection of liver disease and management of case by a competent doctor is the mainstay to decrease the mortality from jaundice. Type of Study: Prospective hospital based mortality.