TITLE:
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Vaccination Status of Hepatitis B Infection among Medical University Students in Mogadishu-Somalia
AUTHORS:
Ilyas Adan Gabow, Ali Abdi Mohamed
KEYWORDS:
Knowledge, Attitude Vaccination Status, Hepatitis B, Medical Students, Mogadishu, Somalia
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.13 No.1,
January
13,
2025
ABSTRACT: Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a primary reason for liver cancer and continues to be a worldwide public health issue. The likelihood of contracting HBV is greater in healthcare workers (HCWs) compared to individuals who are not in healthcare professions. Medical students are classified as a high-risk demographic since, like HCWs, they often come into contact with bodily fluids and blood during their clinical training. By 2030, a greater proportion of people will have received HBV vaccinations, thereby halting the spread of new infections—The Somali Ministry of Health with the help of various agencies announced to eradicate hepatitis from Somalia. The priority actions are national hepatitis strategy, hepatitis survey, public awareness, training, and capacity building. Objectives: This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and vaccination status of Hepatitis B infection among medical university students in Mogadishu, Somalia, 2024. Methods: Cross-sectional study design was used in this study and the survey was carried out among medical students enrolled in Universities from April 1, 2023 to June 30, 2023. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 26.0 software, Chi-square analysis and Logistic regression analysis to identify associations between demographic factors and HBV knowledge, attitudes, and vaccination status, as well as perspectives and immunization status concerning viral hepatitis. Results: The study achieved a response rate of (96%), with 230 participants. Most students (76.5%) were aged 26 - 30 years, and (60.8%) were male. Nearly half (48.7%) were in their third year of study, and the majority (36.1%) were from the Medicine and Surgery department. While 92.2% had heard of HBV, gaps in understanding were evident. About 37.8% erroneously believed HBV could spread via handshakes, and only 33.9% were aware HBV is treatable. Awareness of HBV’s severe complications, such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer, was reported by 61.3%, and 83% understood that vaccination could prevent infection. Positive attitudes towards HBV vaccination were prevalent. Most participants (81.3%) supported vaccination before sexual activity, and 78.3% endorsed mandatory HBV vaccination policies for healthcare workers. However, 87.4% expressed concerns about the vaccine promoting unsafe sexual behavior, and 96.1% cited cultural resistance as a barrier to vaccination. A significant proportion (80.86%) of students had not been vaccinated against HBV. Among vaccinated students, 17.4%, 15.7%, and 47.82% had received one, two, and three doses, respectively. Barriers to vaccination included safety concerns (77.4%), lack of time (86.52%), and doubts about efficacy (42.61%). Conclusion: This study highlights gaps in knowledge and vaccination coverage among medical students, which are critical for their health and future clinical practice. Enhancing awareness and vaccination rates can empower students to advocate for preventative measures in their professional environments. Despite high awareness of HBV, knowledge gaps and cultural barriers persist, affecting attitudes and vaccination uptake among medical students. Educational interventions addressing misconceptions, cultural resistance, and vaccine safety are critical. Increased advocacy for mandatory vaccination policies in healthcare settings is also essential to improve HBV prevention methods.