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Research article
Knowledge about Hepatitis B virus and practice of universal precautions toward its prevention among medical and health science students of Madawalabu University, South east Ethiopia, 2014
*Tomas Benti Teferra and Genet Melak
Madawalabu University, Department of Nursing, South East Ethiopia, Ethiopia
*Corresponding Author E-mail: sabafyadi2014, geniayni
Accepted 20 July, 2014
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, but those of primary significance to health care workers are the hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). 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 its prevention 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 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 questioner prepared in English Language. Mean score was used to classify respondents as had adequate knowledge about Hepatitis B virus and good practice of universal precaution. Chi square test with P Value of less than 5% was used to see associated factors to knowledge level and practice of Universal precaution. Results: Out of 350 study subjects 208(59.4%) and 198(56.6 %) participants have adequate knowledge on Hepatitis B virus and had good practice of Universal precautions respectively. About 249(71.1%) were never screened for Hepatitis B virus.. About three fourth of the students reported that not trained on Universal precaution before attachment to clinical practice to different hospitals in catchment areas. 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 majority of respondents were not screened for hepatitis B virus and not got trained on Universal precaution toward prevention of Hepatitis B virus infection. And still students are practicing needle recap which put 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 this infection.
Keyword: Hepatitis B virus, standard precaution, infection, infection prevention, blood borne diseases, Madawalabu University
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