Lack of knowledge poses risk for HCV among college students

Nationally the hepatitis C virus (HCV) accounts for approximately one-third of liver cancer cases and is the most common chronic blood borne viral infection. Estimates predicate that by 2021 more will die annually from HCV than AIDS, yet prevention efforts to reduce HCV incidence are far below that of HIV/AIDS. Coupled with a lack of awareness about HCV, U.S. undergraduates are in danger of acquiring HCV through tattooing, body piercing and other risky behaviors. In 2008, a partnership research project was initiated between California State University, Sacramento and the University of California, Davis Cancer Center with the purpose of evaluating the knowledge and awareness levels of college students about HCV and developing a bi-campus awareness campaign to reduce HCV risk. A collaborative mixed methods research study was conducted to determine risk taking behaviors, awareness of HCV, and successful educational approaches among 224 college students. Community involvement occurred via the UC Davis Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Advisory Board, the Colleges Against Cancer chapter on the UC Davis campus and the student health club at CSUS. Results demonstrated a significant lack of knowledge about HCV and a self-reported susceptibility of acquiring HCV through tattooing, body piercing and other risky behaviors among students at both campuses. Based on study results, a social and viral multi-lingual marketing campaign was developed to increase awareness of risks for HCV on both campuses and included the following: print and visual materials, website content (www.besmartwithbodyart.org), and PSA's for local radio stations and TV stations.