Knowledge, attitudes, and practices about hepatitis B among medical and dental students of Karachi

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) about Hepatitis B virus (HBV) among the students of medical and dental colleges of Karachi. Methodology: The cross-sectional study was conducted in five medical and dental colleges of Karachi. Students of the 3rd, 4th, and final year were invited to join the study. The questionnaire included sociodemographic information followed by three sections evaluating the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding HBV. Twenty-nine questions were related to knowledge, 11 for attitude, and 4 for practices. Pearson's Chi-square test/Fisher's Exact test and Spearman correlation were utilized to find the association and correlation of knowledge, attitudes, and practices with independent variables. Results: Three hundred and seventy-nine students participated in the study. Two hundred and nine of them (78.9%) were females and 253 (66.8%) students were medical students. Ninety-five percent of the students correctly responded of the causative organism of HBV. Knowledge of MBBS and BDS students for transmission of HBV were significantly different for the questions: “mother to child,” coughing and sneezing' and “kissing.” Almost all the responses regarding complications due to HBV (respiratory failure, stroke, congestive heart failure liver, cirrhosis, colorectal cancer, and spine and bone fracture) received more than 90% of correct answers. In response to contraindication factors for HBV, only “extreme of ages” showed a significant difference between the genders. The percentage of poor, moderate, and good knowledge were 17.4%, 53%, and 29.6% respectively. About 60% of students indicated that they have gone through screening for HBV. About 20% of students indicated that they had experience of needle injury and only 43% of them taken postexposure prophylactic measures. Conclusion: Study revealed that the KAP of medical and dental students of Karachi are satisfactory and have been improved. However, few elements need to be focused in curricula and workshops for further improvement.

Beyond transmission: exploring the knowledge of risk factors and myths of Hepatitis B and C among undergraduate medical students

“…This finding is also supported by research conducted in a rural medical college, where a significant portion of students were found to understand hepatitis B transmission modes [24]. However, our findings contrast when considering nontraditional medical practices and household risks, where knowledge gaps were apparent, similar to a study among medical and dental students in Karachi, which identified discrepancies in understanding potential transmission routes [25].…”

Hepatitis B vaccination status and knowledge, attitude, and practice towards Hepatitis B virus among medical sciences students: A cross-sectional study

“…This might be linked to low vaccination coverage in our study. According to Khan et al, a pretest, followed by a lecture and demonstration of standard infection control measures and precautions, and concluded with a posttest, has the potential to enhance knowledge and bring about attitudinal changes [30]. Therefore, we recommend the implementation of a vaccination program and the provision of training on infection prevention guidelines through lectures and workshops to increase students' knowledge, attitude, and practice toward Hepatitis B.…”