Investigating Knowledge, Attitude and Perception Levels of Hepatitis B, Among Students: A Study in Presbytarian Senior High School, Tamale

Abstract

Background: Globally, there is a concern of a health problem posed by Hepatitis B infection. This health problem is on the ascendancy worldwide and in the country especially among the youth in our Senior High Schools. Since there is still no cure for the disease, the best way to control its high rate of infection and high incidence is by prevention. The method of prevention that can be employed will depend on the level of knowledge and awareness of the disease among all target groups. Victory over the prevention of this infection and its consequences largely can be associated to the knowledge, attitude and perception levels of the youth as well as their lifestyle behavior that can pose as risk to acquiring this infection. Aim: The objective of this research was to investigate variables such as knowledge, attitude and perception levels of students in the Tamale Metropolis, the case of Presbyterian senior high. Questionnaires were asked to relate to the variables being investigated, that knowledge, attitude and perception on hepatitis B virus. The questionnaire was administered to 300 students of the school in focus. Questions were also asked on issues of risk behavior related to this disease. Results: The study found that 94% of the respondents were aware that the infection was caused by a virus whiles the rest of the respondents thought the disease is caused by either by spiritual attack (2%) or swelling of the stomach (2%) infection and (2%) didn’t know the cause. About 51% of the respondents thought that the disease was transmitted mainly by unprotected sex and 73.3%. While only 35% reported having been vaccinated against HBV. Conclusion: Generally, knowledge of hepatitis B disease among the study group was not high enough and many had erroneous perceptions about the disease, therefore more education is needed to sensitize Senior High School students about the hepatitis B disease.