IJCM₂98A: Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice about Hepatitis B among Medical Students

Background: Hepatitis B is a major public health problem. India is in the intermediate HBV endemicity zone (HBsAg prevalence among the general population ranges from 2% to 8%) with 50 million cases which makes it the second largest global pool of chronic HBV infection. Health workers, especially physicians and medical students are always in direct contact with patients and are vulnerable to acquire Hepatitis B infection. Present study aims to evaluate Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) towards Hepatitis B infection and vaccination among medical students. Objective: To evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of medical students regarding Hepatitis B infection and vaccination. Methodology: This was a cross sectional study conducted in Government Medical College. Junior resident and medical undergraduates were involved to assess their Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) about Hepatitis B infection and vaccination using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: Out of 317 participants 44.4% were males and 55.6% were females. 97.2% medical students have heard about the Hep B infection. 97.8% respondents indicated that they were aware of availability of a vaccine for hepatitis B. 54.6% (173) of total participants had received the Hepatitis B vaccination, of which only 142(82.08%) had received 3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccination. Conclusion: More than 50% of the surveyed participants have been vaccinated indicates a positive trend in immunization. Further efforts are needed to ensure complete vaccination especially in high-risk medical professionals.