Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess psychiatrists' Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related knowledge and behaviour practices.

Method: A self-report survey was completed by doctors working at an urban psychiatric hospital in Australia.

Results: Doctors working in psychiatry underestimated the prevalence of HCV infection for their patients and less than one-third felt well informed about HCV. Overall, there was good knowledge regarding HCV acquisition epidemiology but knowledge of management was poor.

Conclusion: Improving knowledge about HCV, especially current management, may facilitate better health care for patients with severe mental illness.