Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of MBBS Students Regarding Hepatitis B and C: A Cross Sectional Survey at Faisalabad Medical University, Faisalabad

Mazhar  Iqbal; Faiz Ahmed Raza; Obaid  Anwar; Allah  Rakhia

doi:10.29054/apmc/2018.129

Mazhar Iqbal PHRC Specialized Research Centre on Environmental Health, Faisalabad Medical University, Faisalabad
Faiz Ahmed Raza PHRC Research Centre, Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore - Pakistan
Obaid Anwar Pharmacology Department, Faisalabad Medical University, Faisalabad
Allah Rakhia PHRC Specialized Research Centre on Child Health, NICH, Karachi

DOI: https://doi.org/10.29054/apmc/2018.129

Keywords: Knowledge, Attitude, Hepatitis, Liver cirrhosis, Cellular carcinoma

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis is a public health problem throughout the world. The chances of job-related exposure to hepatitis among healthcare workers is a key concern, particularly among students in healthcare profession. Methods: This six months (Jan to Jun 2017) cross-sectional study was carried out at Faisalabad Medical University, Faisalabad. Total 300 MBBS students (1^st to 4^th year) took part in this study. Data was collected using validated self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used to find out the association between variables in the study. Results: Of 300 medical students, 40.6% were males and 59.4% were females. Female and older students demonstrated higher knowledge regarding hepatitis B and C, route of transmission, and availability of treatment for hepatitis B and C. Among them, 58.7% of males and 61.4% females had sufficient basic knowledge about hepatitis B and C. Moreover, 54% males and 57% females had good knowledge about sources for spreading of hepatitis while 54% males and 62% females had good knowledge regarding prevention against hepatitis. From total 300 students, 156 (52%) were vaccinated against hepatitis B. Lack of time was the most common reason reported for not being vaccinated against hepatitis B. Conclusion: The majority of participants in this study showed sufficient knowledge concerning HBV and HCV, route of transmission and prevention.