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KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICE OF PREVENTION OF HAPATITIS B VIRUS AMONG STUDENTS OF TARABA STATE UNIVERSITY
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding Hepatitis B prevention among students at Taraba State University. A cross-sectional survey research design was adopted for the study. A structured questionnaire was designed to collect data from a sample of 392 respondents. SPSS27 was used to present and analyze the data, while t-tests were employed to test the hypotheses stated. The findings revealed that a majority of students were aware of Hepatitis B as a contagious viral infection, with a significant proportion recognizing vaccination as an effective preventive method. However, despite this awareness, only a small percentage had received the Hepatitis B vaccine. The attitudes of students toward Hepatitis B prevention were largely positive, with many agreeing that it was their personal responsibility to protect themselves from the infection and expressing willingness to participate in vaccination programs. Practices to reduce the risk of infection were found to be somewhat inadequate, with many students reporting they did not consistently engage in preventive behaviors such as using protection during sexual activities or seeking medical advice before procedures involving blood or body fluids. The t-test results indicated significant differences in knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning Hepatitis B prevention, confirming that students with positive attitudes were more likely to adopt preventive practices. Additionally, gender differences were observed, with females showing more favorable attitudes and practices compared to their male counterparts. In conclusion, while the knowledge of Hepatitis B prevention among students at Taraba State University was relatively high, there were gaps in the adoption of preventive practices. It is recommended that university health campaigns be strengthened to increase vaccination uptake and encourage more consistent preventive behaviors.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Hepatitis B is a major global health concern and one of the leading causes of liver disease, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a highly infectious virus that primarily spreads through contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected individual. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 296 million people worldwide were living with chronic HBV infection in 2019, with millions of deaths attributed to the disease each year (World Health Organization [WHO], 2015). Despite the existence of effective vaccines and preventive measures, the global burden of Hepatitis B remains significant, especially in regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, where the disease is particularly prevalent.
In sub-Saharan Africa, the prevalence of Hepatitis B is alarmingly high, and the region bears a disproportionate share of the global burden of the disease. Nigeria, as part of sub-Saharan Africa, has been reported to have a substantial prevalence of Hepatitis B. The country’s chronic infection rates vary between 10% and 15% of the adult population, which is considerably higher than the global average. This places a substantial strain on the healthcare system and contributes to a growing burden of liver disease (Musa et al., 2015). Hepatitis B remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, where many individuals remain unaware of the risks and preventive measures available to reduce the spread of the virus.
Taraba State University, located in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State, serves as an academic institution for students from diverse backgrounds across the state and beyond. The university is home to a large number of students, primarily in their late teens and early twenties, who are at a heightened risk of contracting Hepatitis B due to their behavioral patterns. Adolescents and young adults often engage in high-risk behaviors such as unprotected sexual activity, sharing of needles, and other risky practices that significantly increase their vulnerability to blood-borne infections like Hepatitis B (Al-Hazmi, 2023).
Although vaccines and preventive measures are available, the effectiveness of these interventions hinges on the awareness, attitudes, and practices of the population at risk. Despite the efforts to reduce the spread of Hepatitis B, the knowledge of prevention methods remains insufficient among many students, especially in the context of universities in Nigeria. Previous studies have highlighted that medical students in various parts of the world, including those in North-Western Nigeria, show gaps in their knowledge about Hepatitis B, despite being more likely to come into contact with the virus due to their exposure to healthcare settings (Isa et al., 2023).
It is essential to understand the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of university students, particularly in relation to the prevention of Hepatitis B. Research on this topic is critical because university students are at a stage in life where they are more likely to engage in behaviors that put them at risk for Hepatitis B infection, yet they may not fully understand the implications of such behaviors or the preventive measures available to them. Studies have shown that among medical students in various countries, including Nigeria, there is often a lack of proper knowledge regarding the modes of transmission and preventive strategies for Hepatitis B, despite their educational background (Othman et al., 2023).
Furthermore, while there are vaccines available to prevent Hepatitis B infection, the uptake of vaccination programs has not always been as high as expected. This could be attributed to a lack of knowledge or misconceptions about the vaccine and its effectiveness. For instance, previous research has revealed that misconceptions and poor attitudes toward vaccination are common among students, leading to low vaccination rates even in high-risk populations (Haq et al., 2023).
Taraba State University, like many universities across Nigeria, faces a challenge in educating its students about the risks associated with Hepatitis B and the importance of preventive measures. In addition to vaccination, other preventive strategies such as safe sexual practices, avoiding the sharing of needles, and screening for the virus play a crucial role in reducing transmission rates. However, the current state of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding Hepatitis B prevention among the university’s student population remains largely unknown.
Several studies have underscored the importance of knowledge in reducing the incidence of Hepatitis B. For instance, a study conducted by Haider and Haider (2020) found that greater awareness and understanding of Hepatitis B significantly increased the likelihood of students engaging in preventive practices, such as vaccination and safe behaviors. These findings are consistent with the global trend that shows a direct relationship between education and the reduction of Hepatitis B transmission rates (van der Veen et al., 2020).
In light of this, the need for targeted interventions that improve students’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning Hepatitis B is crucial. Without adequate awareness and education, preventive measures may remain underutilized, putting students at a higher risk of infection. Educational campaigns, workshops, and health initiatives aimed at increasing knowledge and encouraging proactive behaviors are essential in mitigating the spread of Hepatitis B among university students.
Although a few studies have been conducted on Hepatitis B awareness among university students, especially within the medical field, limited research exists on this issue in Nigerian universities, particularly in the context of Taraba State University. In addition, no comprehensive studies have examined the relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices for Hepatitis B among university students in the region. Addressing this gap in the literature is essential for developing context-specific health interventions that target the unique needs of university students.
By assessing the KAP of Hepatitis B prevention among students at Taraba State University, this study aims to contribute to the broader understanding of the factors influencing Hepatitis B prevention among university students. The findings of this study will inform the development of educational interventions designed to increase awareness about Hepatitis B and encourage more students to adopt preventive practices. It is hoped that the results of this research will serve as a model for other universities in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa, where Hepatitis B remains a significant public health concern.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Despite the availability of vaccines and preventive measures, Hepatitis B remains a significant public health issue, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. The prevalence of chronic Hepatitis B infection in Nigeria is reported to be between 10% and 15% of the adult population, which contributes significantly to liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (Musa et al., 2015). However, the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding the prevention of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) among university students, especially in institutions such as Taraba State University, remains poorly documented.
Existing studies have largely focused on medical students, with limited research on the broader student population. For instance, research by Isa et al. (2023) has highlighted the seroprevalence of Hepatitis B in North Western Nigeria, yet the understanding of students’ awareness of prevention strategies remains unclear. Similarly, while studies such as those by Othman et al. (2023) have explored Hepatitis B awareness among medical students in Iraq, there is a scarcity of data addressing this issue among Nigerian university students, especially in less-researched regions like Taraba State. This gap in the literature leaves unaddressed the potential for targeted interventions aimed at reducing HBV transmission among the wider student body.
Moreover, studies have shown that even among individuals with access to information, misconceptions about the disease persist, leading to poor adoption of preventive behaviors such as vaccination (Haq et al., 2023). Despite the existence of preventive measures, studies show a lack of proper utilization, possibly due to inadequate education and outreach in universities (Al-Hazmi, 2023). The gap in understanding students’ KAP of Hepatitis B at Taraba State University creates a need for targeted research to assess and address these knowledge and behavioral gaps.
This study, therefore, seeks to fill these gaps by investigating the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to Hepatitis B prevention among students at Taraba State University. This will provide valuable insights into current challenges and inform the development of tailored health education programs.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The primary objectives of the study are:
- To assess the level of knowledge about Hepatitis B prevention among students of Taraba State University.
- To examine the attitudes of students at Taraba State University toward the prevention of Hepatitis B.
- To evaluate the practices of students at Taraba State University in preventing Hepatitis B infection.
1.4 Research Questions
The study will address the following research questions:
- What is the level of knowledge regarding Hepatitis B prevention among students at Taraba State University?
- What are the attitudes of students at Taraba State University towards the prevention of Hepatitis B?
- What preventive practices are employed by students at Taraba State University to reduce the risk of Hepatitis B infection?
1.5 Research Hypotheses
Based on the research questions, the following hypotheses will be tested:
- There is a significant relationship between the level of knowledge about Hepatitis B and the prevention practices among students at Taraba State University.
- Students with positive attitudes toward Hepatitis B prevention are more likely to adopt preventive practices.
- There is no significant difference in the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding Hepatitis B prevention between male and female students at Taraba State University.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study aims to provide critical insights into the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) surrounding the prevention of Hepatitis B among university students, specifically those at Taraba State University. The findings will serve as a crucial resource for health education campaigns designed to raise awareness about Hepatitis B, particularly in regions where the disease burden is high but knowledge about prevention remains low. By understanding the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to Hepatitis B among students, the study will inform the development and implementation of targeted interventions that focus on increasing awareness about the virus and promoting preventive behaviors, such as vaccination and safe practices.
University students, especially those in their late teens and early twenties, are often at higher risk of contracting Hepatitis B due to behaviors such as unprotected sexual activity, sharing of needles, and other high-risk practices. These behaviors are prevalent among young adults, and their impact can be mitigated through proper education and health interventions. However, gaps in knowledge and misconceptions about the transmission and prevention of Hepatitis B may prevent students from adopting effective preventive measures. By assessing the current levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices among students at Taraba State University, this study will provide a comprehensive understanding of how university students perceive the risks associated with Hepatitis B and the barriers they face in adopting preventive practices.
Additionally, the results of this study will contribute to the broader understanding of how young people in Nigeria perceive infectious diseases, especially Hepatitis B, and how such perceptions influence their health behaviors. This is important because the youth constitute a significant proportion of the population, and their behaviors have a profound impact on the prevalence of infectious diseases like Hepatitis B. Understanding these behaviors will provide invaluable data that can guide the design of effective health education programs tailored to this demographic.
The findings from this study will also lay the foundation for further research on infectious disease prevention within Nigerian universities. The knowledge generated can influence policies related to student health education programs, encouraging universities to integrate more comprehensive health education and screening into their curricula and campus health services. Furthermore, the study can inform national and local public health initiatives aimed at reducing the incidence of Hepatitis B and other preventable diseases, contributing to the broader goal of improving public health outcomes in Nigeria. In the long term, the findings can help reduce the increasing burden of Hepatitis B in the country, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes and enhanced public awareness.
1.7 Scope of the Study
This study is limited to students of Taraba State University, Jalingo, who are enrolled in undergraduate programs. The study will focus on assessing their knowledge, attitudes, and practices with respect to the prevention of Hepatitis B. The scope of the study excludes postgraduate students and individuals who are not currently enrolled at the university. Data collection will be restricted to students attending lectures on the main campus in Jalingo during the academic year. The study will not cover any other universities or populations outside of Taraba State University. Additionally, the study will focus on Hepatitis B prevention and will not delve into other forms of hepatitis or related health issues.