Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection and The Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviours Related to HBV Infection Among Individuals Attending the Outpatient Clinic at Sengerema District Hospital in Tanzania
Majani, Mguta. Charles [Male]
Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection and The Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviours Related to HBV Infection Among Individuals Attending the Outpatient Clinic at Sengerema District Hospital in Tanzania - Mwanza, Tanzania: Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences [CUHAS - Bugando] : 2018 - xiv; 51 Pages Includes Index
Abstract
Background: Despite availability of an effective vaccine, hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a global major health threat. Literatures on prevalence and knowledge towards HBV in the general population are scarce in Tanzania. The aim was to estimate the prevalence of HBV infection and to describe the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors related to HBV infection among individuals attending outpatient clinic at Sengerema District Hospital in Tanzania.
Methods: A community based cross-sectional study done in Sengerema district, from July to September 2017, involving 349 community radio sensitised subjects aged 18 years and above. Interviews were done using structured questionnaire containing 18 questions regarding KAB towards HBV and samples were assayed using Rapid HBsAg Test. STATA software version 13 was used for analysing obtained data.
Result: The prevalence of HBV infection was 4.9 % (95 % CI 2.8 - 7.6 %), nobody was aware of an infection. In general most participants 86% (301/349) had inadequate KAB and 98% (341/349) have never participated in health education related to HBV. Particular knowledge gaps were obvious in responses to questions related to symptoms, transmission and prevention as 317/349 (91%) didn‟t know that jaundice is one of the common symptoms of HBV, 91% didn‟t know that HBV can be sexually transmitted and 89% didn‟t knew that HBV can be transmitted from mother to child at birth while 91% were not aware that vaccine for HBV was available. Difference in level of knowledge was associated with HBV infection (p-value. 144).
Conclusion: This study has revealed lack of knowledge and awareness of HBV infection in our communities. Knowledge gaps call for awareness campaigns to reduce the risk of contracting HBV and might serve as an effective tool in decision making regarding prevention strategies.
Wurzburg Road 35, BMC Premises, Post Code: 33102: P. O Box 1464, Mwanza – Tanzania: Phone: +255 28 298 3384: Fax: +255 28 298 3386: Email: vc@bugando.ac.tz : www.bugando.ac.tz
--Public Health
Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection and The Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviours Related to HBV Infection Among Individuals Attending the Outpatient Clinic at Sengerema District Hospital in Tanzania - Mwanza, Tanzania: Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences [CUHAS - Bugando] : 2018 - xiv; 51 Pages Includes Index
Abstract
Background: Despite availability of an effective vaccine, hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a global major health threat. Literatures on prevalence and knowledge towards HBV in the general population are scarce in Tanzania. The aim was to estimate the prevalence of HBV infection and to describe the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors related to HBV infection among individuals attending outpatient clinic at Sengerema District Hospital in Tanzania.
Methods: A community based cross-sectional study done in Sengerema district, from July to September 2017, involving 349 community radio sensitised subjects aged 18 years and above. Interviews were done using structured questionnaire containing 18 questions regarding KAB towards HBV and samples were assayed using Rapid HBsAg Test. STATA software version 13 was used for analysing obtained data.
Result: The prevalence of HBV infection was 4.9 % (95 % CI 2.8 - 7.6 %), nobody was aware of an infection. In general most participants 86% (301/349) had inadequate KAB and 98% (341/349) have never participated in health education related to HBV. Particular knowledge gaps were obvious in responses to questions related to symptoms, transmission and prevention as 317/349 (91%) didn‟t know that jaundice is one of the common symptoms of HBV, 91% didn‟t know that HBV can be sexually transmitted and 89% didn‟t knew that HBV can be transmitted from mother to child at birth while 91% were not aware that vaccine for HBV was available. Difference in level of knowledge was associated with HBV infection (p-value. 144).
Conclusion: This study has revealed lack of knowledge and awareness of HBV infection in our communities. Knowledge gaps call for awareness campaigns to reduce the risk of contracting HBV and might serve as an effective tool in decision making regarding prevention strategies.
Wurzburg Road 35, BMC Premises, Post Code: 33102: P. O Box 1464, Mwanza – Tanzania: Phone: +255 28 298 3384: Fax: +255 28 298 3386: Email: vc@bugando.ac.tz : www.bugando.ac.tz
--Public Health