Hepatitis B infection and vaccination: knowledge and attitude among medical students

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Hepatitis B is an acute systemic infection with major pathology in the liver, caused by Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and transmitted usually by the parenteral route. Even after discovery of an effective vaccine it still continues to be a major public health concern worldwide. Globally more than 2 billion are infected and 350 million are suffering from chronic disease. About 6% of the world population is carrier for HBV accounting for about 80 million carriers. Annually about 5,00,000 to 1.2 million people die due to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma related to chronic HBV infection. 1-5 India has point prevalence of 2.1% and carrier rate of 1.7%. Some studies have shown higher carrier state ranging from 11% in healthcare worker to 5% in general population. 6 HBV is highly infectious and is transmitted by percutaneous and permucosal exposure to infected blood and other body fluids (i.e. semen and vaginal fluid). Most common routes of transmission include mother-to-infant, unsafe injection practices, blood transfusions and multiple sexual partners. 7-10 Health professionals are at high risk of getting HBV infection. Approximately 66,000 hepatitis B viral infections are reported per year due to needle stick injuries. It was reported in study on medical students that 30% of reported needle stick injuries occurred in the operation room. 11,12 World Health Organization has recommended that HBV vaccine should be made part of mass immunisation programs as tool for prevention. 13 ABSTRACT Background: Hepatitis B infection among health care professionals can be prevented by strategies like vaccination, increasing awareness and following universal precautions. The present study was conducted on newly admitted medical students to evaluate knowledge regarding HBV and to know their vaccination status. This occasion was also used to motivate students to take HBV vaccine if not taken earlier and to educate about universal precautions. Methods: Cross sectional study was carried out on newly admitted 1st MBBS students. All the students present on the day of data collection were included in the study and interviewed using pretested questionnaire. Data was analysed using percentages. Results: Most of the students had good knowledge about disease and modes of transmission & prevention. Surprisingly half of them were unaware of high risk of transmission to health professional. Nearly 40% of the students were unimmunized mainly due to lack of awareness and motivation. Conclusions: It is recommended for Hepatitis B vaccination for all unimmunized students who enter medical profession. The orientation and sensitization programme should be held to create awareness regarding HBV infection.