KAP SURVEY ON HEPATITIS B AMONG MBBS, NURSING, AND AHS STUDENTS AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL.

J Peop Univ Med Health Sci. 2025:15(2), 158-167. http://doi.org/10.46536/jpumhs/2025/15.02.636

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B remains a notable public health concern accounting for 1.1 million fatalities worldwide in 2022. It requires sufficient knowledge for specific prevention and control. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices among MBBS, Allied Health Sciences
(AHS), and nursing students regarding Hepatitis B infection. ETHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Sheikh Zayed Medical College/Hospital from September 2023 to February 2024 with 320 participants, using non-probability consecutive sampling. MBBS, Allied Health Sciences, and Nursing students were screened for Hepatitis B and completed a questionnaire assessing knowledge, attitude, and practices. Data were analyzed in SPSS 29. Stratification by study program and gender was performed, followed by post stratification Chi-Square testing (p < 0.05) to assess significance. RESULTS: Out of 320 students, 124 (38.75%) were MBBS, 134 (41.88%) were AHS, and 62 (19.38%) were nursing students. The
overall gender distribution was 188 (58.75%) females and 132 (41.25%) males. The study revealed that a significant proportion of students recognized contact with open wounds (p = 0.000) and sharing needles as sources of Hepatitis B transmission. A majority believed Hepatitis B could lead to liver cirrhosis (p = 0.006). Attitudes towards vaccination were positive, with 90% acknowledging its importance, though concerns about Hepatitis B were higher among nursing students (p = 0.000). Vaccination rates were lower among AHS (16.4%) and nursing students (32.3%) compared to MBBS students (66.6%) (p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: The study revealed knowledge gaps about Hepatitis B among nursing students compared to MBBS and AHS students. While awareness of transmission and vaccination importance was high, vaccination rates were lower among nursing students. Targeted educational interventions are essential to improve Hepatitis B awareness and practices across all healthcare disciplines.