Awareness of hepatitis C infection among men who have sex with men in Flanders, Belgium.

BACKGROUND: Over the past decade an increasing incidence of hepatitis C (HCV) has been observed in different countries among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM). We conducted an online survey in the Dutch speaking part of Belgium among MSM to assess awareness of transmission routes and prevention measures for HCV.

METHODS: A 37 question online survey was conducted via two well known websites in Belgium for MSM.

RESULTS: Out of 333 responders, only 57% of men self reporting high-risk sexual behaviour considered themselves at risk for HCV. Only 48.2% knew there is no protective vaccine against HCV. Forty eight (16.6%) men were convinced they were protected for HCV by a vaccine. One third of men considered personal hygiene as an efficient way of HCV prevention. Over half of the responders never received any information about HCV, but almost all would find it useful.

CONCLUSIONS: The online survey among MSM in Flanders, Belgium suggests that awareness of transmission routes and prevention measures for HCV is low and that there is an urgent need for more information.