Jornal de Probióticos e Saúde
Acesso livre

Abstrato

Knowledge about Hepatitis B virus and Practice of Universal Precautions toward Hepatitis B virus Infection among Medical and Health Science Students of Madawalabu University, South East Ethiopia

Tilahun Ermeko Wanamo*, Ahmed Yasin Mohammed1, Fikadu Nugusu Dessalegn

Background: Blood borne pathogens are present in blood and body fluid and can cause disease in humans. There are more than 20 blood-borne diseases, Particularly Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the most common blood borne infection and the only one of the three serious viral infections for which an immunization exists.

Objective: To assess knowledge about Hepatitis B virus infection and practice of universal precautions toward prevention of Hepatitis B virus infection among medical and health science students in Madawalabu University, 2014

Methodology: Cross sectional Study was conducted among Health science students of Madawalabu University who had a minimum one month exposure to the hospital setting from May 01-19, 2014. Stratified sampling method was used to select study subjects. Data were collected by using a semi-structured, Pre-tested and self-administered questionnaire prepared in the English Language. The mean score was used to classify respondents as had adequate knowledge about Hepatitis B virus and good practice of universal precaution. Multivariable logistic regression with 95%CI and Adjusted Odds Ratio was used to see associated factors with the knowledge level of Hepatitis B virus infection.

Results: Out of 350 study subjects 208 (59.4%) and 198 (56.6 %) students have adequate knowledge of Hepatitis B virus and had a good practice of Universal precautions respectively. About 249 (71.1%) were never screened for Hepatitis B virus. About 260 (74.3%) were reported that not trained on Universal precaution protocol before attachment to clinical practice. No significant association was found between knowledge level and practice of Universal precaution toward prevention of Hepatitis B virus infection.

Conclusion and recommendation: This study found that the most of the students were not screened for hepatitis B virus and not got trained on Universal precaution Protocol toward prevention of Hepatitis B virus infection. And still students are practicing needle recap that puts them at risk of contracting the infection. So, Training programs should be put in place to promote the appropriate use universal precaution among these students and screening program should be done before start of clinical attachment to prevent transmission of the infection.