Assessment of the Knowledge, Practice and Attitude Towards Prevention of Hepatitis B Virus Infection among Makerere University Students
Abstract
This study was conducted in Makerere University, Kampala. The purpose of the study was to assess the knowledge, practice, and attitude towards prevention of Hepatitis B virus infection among Makerere University students. The objectives of the study were to assess the knowledge of students towards HBV prevention, examine students’ practices towards HBV prevention and students’ attitude towards prevention of HBV. The research methodology for the study was quasi-experimental quantitative design. The sample size was 629 students and a combination of stratified and systematic sampling technique was applied in selecting the students who were included in the sample. The researcher used questionnaires to collect data and data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. The study revealed that most of the respondents (70%) were males and the rest being female students. The study findings indicated that most of the respondents (80%) agreed and strongly agreed that they always test for Hepatitis B each time they get a chance; 60% of the respondents agreed and strongly agreed that they know how to protect themselves from Hepatitis B. This proved that students had good knowledge about Hepatitis B Virus prevention. The study results also revealed that 70% of the respondents agreed and strongly agreed that they are vaccinated against the Hepatitis B virus; 75% of the respondents agreed and strongly agreed that getting vaccinated is very important. This showed that students had a good attitude towards the prevention of Hepatitis B Virus. The study findings also indicated that 70% of the respondents could have safe and protected sex in order to protect themselves from contracting Hepatitis B Virus; 65% agreed and strongly agreed that their friends have only one boy/girlfriend in order to avoid contracting Hepatitis B Virus. This indicated that students had good practices towards prevention of Hepatitis B Virus. Using a regression model, study findings indicated that students’ knowledge and attitude significantly affected the prevention levels of Hepatitis B Virus (sig. < 0.05). The study concluded that students of Makerere University had good knowledge, attitude and practice towards prevention of Hepatitis B Virus. The study recommended that awareness on the modes of transmission of hepatitis B virus around Makerere University should not only be carried out at this point but rather also be carried out in urban and other rural communities. The study further recommended that regular studies should be carried out on the prevalence of HBV in Makerere University, so as to help determine the extent to which eradication of the virus has reached.