Knowledge, attitude and preventive practices of hepatitis B infection among health trainees, northern region of Ghana

Francis Kronzu Cudjoe; Tanko Abdulai; Abdul-Samed Mohammed; Sophia Twiaku; Michael Yaw Amoakoh

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20263158

Authors

Francis Kronzu Cudjoe Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Tamale, Northern Region, Ghana https://orcid.org/0009-0008-8993-4403
Tanko Abdulai Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Disease Control, School of Public Health, Tamale, Northern Region, Ghana
Abdul-Samed Mohammed Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Tamale, Northern Region, Ghana https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7582-4686
Sophia Twiaku Department of Advanced Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tamale, Northern Region, Ghana
Michael Yaw Amoakoh Bawku West District Directorate, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20263158

Keywords:

Hepatitis B, Ghana, Health trainees

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major global health challenge, causing chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine, infection rates remain high, particularly among healthcare workers and trainees. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and preventive practices regarding hepatitis B infection among health trainees at the University for Development Studies (UDS), Tamale, Ghana.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 health trainees selected through stratified random sampling from six schools and faculties within the UDS Dungu Campus. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed with SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics summarized participants’ characteristics, while Chi-square and multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with preventive practices. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.

Results: Overall, 58.3% of participants demonstrated good knowledge of hepatitis B. Most participants (70.5%) had positive attitudes, and 70% exhibited good preventive practices. 61% of participants had received at least a dose of Hepatitis B vaccine, though only 10.5% completed post-vaccination antibody testing. Good attitude significantly predicted good practice (AOR=4.495, 95% CI: 2.613-7.731, p<0.001). Female students were more than twice likely to practice prevention (AOR=2.212, 95% CI: 1.262-3.877, p=0.006).

Conclusions: Health trainees demonstrated moderate knowledge and generally positive attitudes toward hepatitis B prevention. However, gaps in screening, post-vaccination testing, and exposure reporting indicate the need for strengthened health education and institutional vaccination programmes in Ghana.

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