Awareness of Hepatitis B infection among second year medical students and their vaccination status

Abstract

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is a life-threatening infection and also one among the occupational hazard for health care personnels. Medical students represent high risk groups for HBV infection. This study aims to assess the awareness of hepatitis B infection among second year medical students and their vaccination status. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 136 second year medical students. A questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire included 12 questions about routes and modes of transmission, symptoms, sequelae, treatment and prevention of HBV. The students were also asked about their vaccination status and the reasons for not getting vaccinated. Results: All 136 (100%) students had knowledge regarding the causative agent and organ involvement. 128(94.1%) and 125(91.9%) students were aware of modes of transmission and symptoms respectively. 117(86%) knew about carrier state. 132(97%)students considered hepatitis B to be preventable and 116(85.3%) were aware of inclusion of hepatitis B vaccine in national immunization schedule. 106(77.9%) students knew about HBsAg as screening marker and only 68(50%) students had awareness regarding antiviral therapy as treatment method. 125(92%) were aware about route of administration of vaccine. 133(97.8%) were vaccinated, 2(1.5 %) students were incompletely vaccinatedand 01(0.7%) was not vaccinated. Conclusion: Overall awareness regarding hepatitis B is relatively good with high vaccination rate of 97.8%. It is recommended to vaccinate all non vaccinated students and measures need to be taken to create complete awareness.