Awareness of hepatitis B infection among healthcare students in a private medical college in Odisha

BACKGROUND: The emergence of the blood-borne pathogens and the increasing number of infected patients and the increasing interest in dental health care compel the dental professionals to have thorough knowledge about communicable diseases and the MBBS and nursing students are always at risk because of their profession. As hepatitis B infection is a major health hazard throughout the world, healthcare students should have through knowledge about this disease. Setia et al. had conducted a similar kind of study in Punjab in which the sample size was smaller and it included only the interns, whereas the present study was conducted to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and behavior about hepatitis B infection among healthcare students of all academic years because they are indulged in clinical work since third year of their curriculum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted of all the students starting from 1(st) year to final year and the interns of MBBS, BDS, and nursing at KIIT University. The questions were obtained from a study performed in Turkey in 2010 and were modified by an infection control expert. Questions in multiple choice format were in English and it was a self-administered questionnaire consisting of three parts (knowledge, attitude, behavior). Then, ethical clearance for the study was obtained from the institutional ethical committee, KIMS. Subsequently, the students were well informed and explained about the study. Students who voluntarily wanted to participate were included in the study. Questionnaire containing 20 questions to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and behavior about hepatitis B was distributed among the students. Data were compiled and statistical analysis was done. RESULTS: The response rate was 83% (N = 332). In our study, majority (96.99%) were aware of transmission of HBV infection by blood, body fluid, and secretion. The level of knowledge was higher in MBBS students than BDS and nursing students (MBBS > BDS > nursing). Attitude toward the disease was higher in MBBS students than BDS and nursing students (MBBS > BDS > nursing), whereas behavior was higher in BDS students than MBBS and nursing students (BDS > MBBS > nursing). CONCLUSION: In our study, overall knowledge and attitude toward hepatitis B infection were higher in MBBS students than in dental and nursing students, whereas behavior of dental students toward the disease was quite satisfactory than MBBS and nursing students.