Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Hepatitis B Vaccination among Clinical Medical Students at a Medical College in Nepal

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B vaccine is the single most effective and safest strategy for the prevention of the disease among health care workers (HCW), trainees and medical students. There is scanty information on knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) regarding Hepatitis B vaccination among medical students who are likely to get exposed in the future as they start practicing. This study was undertaken to understand the knowledge, attitude and practice of hepatitis B vaccination among clinical medical students of Manipal College of Medical sciences at Pokhara, Nepal.Methods: Two hundred and four medical students were enrolled for an observational, cross-sectional study at Manipal College of Medical sciences at Pokhara, Nepal after obtaining ethical clearance from Institutional Review Committee. Answers to pre-tested questionnaire were collected. Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding Hepatitis B vaccination were studied. Results: All participants demonstrated good knowledge and positive attitude towards Hepatitis B infection and vaccination. However majority had poor practice towards it. Only 47.1% were completely vaccinated. The most common reason for non vaccination was that many thought they will vaccinate in internship or when they start practicing.Conclusion: Despite good knowledge and positive attitude towards Hepatitis B infection and vaccination, low rates of vaccination and poor practice was observed among HCW indicating the necessity of encouragement for vaccination and proper practices among them. All medical students should be immunized against Hepatitis B during their medical school. Regular Hepatitis B vaccination, educational and awareness programs must be conducted in coordination and with active participation of the medical students.Keywords: Attitude; Hepatitis B; knowledge; Medical students; Practice; Vaccination

Practice towards Hepatitis B Virus Infection Prevention and Its Associated Factors among Undergraduate Students at Hawassa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa, Sidama, Ethiopia, 2021: Cross-Sectional Study

“…However, the finding of this study is higher than that of the study conducted at a medical college in Nepal among clinical year medical students which showed only 29 (14.2%) of the study respondents had good practice [9] and the study conducted at Woldia University College of Medicine and Health Sciences which showed 39% of the students had good practice [5]. Such discrepancy may be due to variations in perception of the study participants towards HBV prevention, clinical practice levels, educational curriculum differences, study area and sociocultural environment and resource availability, and/or allocation discrepancies in the study areas.…”

Prevalence of exposure to needle stick and sharp‐related injury and status of hepatitis B vaccination among healthcare workers: A cross‐sectional study

“…In our study, 61.98% of the vaccinated participants received the full three doses 19 . In the study conducted at Manipal Medical College, only 47.1% had completed all three doses which is slightly lesser than our study 8 . Most cases of HBV infection resulting from NSSI are due to accidental percutaneous exposure, which is supported by our study findings.…”

“…Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS), Nepal, found that NSSI was more common in the ≤22 years age group. 8 A significant association was found between the prevalence of NSSI and the types of profession (p < 0.001) which has been supported by the studies done in other parts of Nepal (p < 0.05). 15 Our study also showed a significant difference between the prevalence of NSSI and other variables like age, sex, vaccination against HBV, and so on.…”

“…But unfortunately, the WHO report shows vaccine coverage among HCWs worldwide is very low. In underdeveloped and developing countries, it is about only 18%–39% 7,8 …”

“…In underdeveloped and developing countries, it is about only 18%-39%. 7,8 Though WHO has recommended special consideration for HCWs and medical students for a screening of HBV and vaccination, Nepal Government lacks a policy-level program to vaccinate such at-risk populations. 9 Similarly, health institutions cannot make necessary arrangements to protect their staff and trainees.…”