Introduction. Viral hepatitis C (VHC) remains a major public health concern in the Republic of Moldova, which records one of the highest prevalence rates in Europe. Understanding the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of the population is a prerequisite for designing effective prevention and control strategies.
Aim. To assess KAP related to VHC in a mixed cohort from the Republic of Moldova and to identify factors associated with KAP scores.
Material and Methods. Cross‑sectional descriptive study (2024‑2025), with 567 participants: 455 healthcare workers and 112 members of the general population. A purpose‑built KAP scale (0‑30 points) assessed knowledge (0‑10), attitudes (0‑10), and practices (0‑10). Statistical analysis included Mann‑Whitney U and Kruskal‑Wallis tests, and Spearman’s correlation.
Results. The mean KAP score was 17.82 ± 3.81 points (59.4%), with 63.7% of participants at a moderate level. Healthcare workers scored significantly higher than the general population (18.85 vs 13.62, p < 0.001). A positive correlation was found between knowledge and practices (ρ = 0.336, p < 0.001).
Conclusions. Most participants showed a moderate KAP level, with relatively favorable attitudes, while knowledge and practices remained insufficient. Targeted educational programs are needed, particularly for the general population, those with lower education, and residents of rural areas.
