Knowledge attitude and practices of university students regarding hepatitis B and C

摘要

The purpose of this study was to assess knowledge, attitude and practices of university students, regarding hepatitis B and C and to compare knowledge and practices/attitudes scores between two different groups. This multi-centre cross -sectional study was conducted from January to June 2008. A group of 2800, at least graduate students, studying in six different universities in Lahore was included in the study. Close-ended questionnaire was used to record demographic information and responses to assess knowledge, attitude and practices about hepatitis B and C. Regarding complications of hepatitis B and C, 47.5% of group I and 26.5% of group II had some relevant knowledge. About mode of transmission, contaminated needles/syringes was mentioned by 89.3% of group I and 82.1% of group II. Similarly blood transfusion, used blades, tattooing and earose piercing were stated higher in group I (92.2%, 90.7%, 68.3% and 73% respectively) than in group II (72.2%, 75.6%, 45% and 36% respectively). The availability of hepatitis B vaccine was known to 61.7% in group I and 57.3% in group II. Absence of any vaccine for hepatitis C was known to 36.0% of group I and 13.7% of group II. More than half of both groups wanted to be vaccinated against hepatitis B and almost three quarters of both groups were willing to be screened against hepatitis B and C. In both groups their main source of information was television. Non-biological-sciences group was less informed than the biological sciences group. Health education about risk factors and prevention of hepatitis B and C infections by running awareness programs was found necessary for all students especially for non-biological sciences students in order to improve awareness of these diseases.