Knowledge and Attitude Towards Hepatitis B Infection Among Adults in Tamale in the Northern Region of Ghana

Abstract

The study aims to investigate knowledge and attitude towards hepatitis B infection among adults in Tamale, Ghana. A cross sectional study was conducted using self-administered structured questionnaire to assess participants’ level of knowledge and attitude towards hepatitis B infection among adults in Tamale, Ghana. Data was collected from people who agreed to participate in the study. The study sample was 281 participants. Simple random sampling was used to recruit participants. Data was analysed using SPSS version 24 and study findings presented using text and tables. The study revealed that about half of the respondents had good knowledge on hepatitis B infection. There were even some knowledge gaps among the respondents who had good knowledge on the infection. The study also revealed that 63% of the respondents had good attitude towards hepatitis B vaccination. Those who did not vaccinate against hepatitis B indicated the cost and other reasons as the barrier for not vaccinating. Almost all the respondents indicated they will visit health facility for treatment in case they realise they are infected with hepatitis B. The study shows knowledge and attitude towards hepatitis B is not adequate. There is therefore the need to put in more measures to educate the public on hepatitis B in order to improve the public’s knowledge and attitude towards hepatitis B infection.