KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, PRACTICE AND DETECTION OF HEPATITIS B VIRUS INFECTION AMONG FRESH UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF OLABISI ONABANJO UNIVERSITY, AGO-IWOYE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Hepatitis is an important liver disease caused by Hepatitis B virus (HBV). Majority of people infected with HBV are unaware, presenting symptoms only at an advanced stage of the disease. Therefore this study determines the knowledge, attitude, practice and sero-prevalence of Hepatitis B virus infection among fresh undergraduate students of Olabisi Onabanjo University, so as to detect the infection early and institute treatment. Sera from fresh undergraduate students on medical checkup were screened for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) using Rapid Diagnostic Test strip, Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and molecular method using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA analysis (RAPD). Structured questionnaire was administered to obtain socio-demographic information, risk factors and knowledge of the students about Hepatitis. The awareness of HBV infection was 182 (45.5%). Major sources of information include electronic media 71 (39%), internet 64 (35%) and health workers 60 (33%). Majority of the students 352 (88%) had poor knowledge and 260 (65%) had negative attitude towards HBV infection. The prevalence of HBsAg is 12 (3%) for both the Rapid Diagnostic Test strip and ELISA methods. The presence of HBV DNA in the HBsAg positive samples also confirmed the presence of Hepatitis B virus and RAPD resolved the DNA into different polymorphic bands. The carriage of HBsAg by these students called for concern as they could be potential source of spread for the infection. There is genetic variation in the HBV DNA. Education on risk factors of Hepatitis B virus in order to prevent transmission of the virus is required.