Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on Testing and Immunisation of Maganjo ‘A’ Zone Residents against Hepatitis B

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess knowledge, attitude and practice on testing and immunization of Maganjo ‘A’ Zone residents against hepatitis B. The study objectives were to find out if Maganjo A zone residents have knowledge about Hepatitis B, to assess the residents’ attitudes towards Hepatitis B patients, to analyse residents’ practice on testing and immunization against Hepatitis B and to assess whether knowledge, attitude and practice on testing and immunization of the residents against Hepatitis B varies by gender, age, marital status, education level and occupation. The research was done by employing a case study design on a population of Maganjo A zone. Findings showed respondents were aware of a virus called Hepatitis B. Radios and Televisions were the main sources of information regarding the Hepatitis B. virus. It was also observed that several people had considered testing to be important and immunization was supported as a strategy to avoid getting Hepatitis B virus. In addition to that, it was deduced that the status of those infected with Hepatitis B should be kept private because if the status was exposed, the community could start neglecting the person which would result into stress and if known then the infected people should be left to live in the community happily with other people. The study recommends that the government of Uganda should put more effort in providing hepatitis B vaccine and distribute it evenly in all areas of the country so that even people in deep villages can access it. More to that, all shorts should be given out to ensure full protection against Hepatitis B. The community leaders should also organize sensitization campaigns and educative workshops through which they communicate to the communicate members about ways to prevent themselves against Hepatitis B and the importance of immunization