ASSESSING THE KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PERCEPTION OF HEPATITIS B VIRAL INFECTION AMONG YOUNG ADULTS IN SAGNARIGU DISTRICT OF THE NORTHERN REGION

Abstract

Background: The threat posed by the global hepatitis B virus (HBV) epidemic continues to assume alarming proportions in areas of public health and national development. Globally, two billion people have been infected with HBV at some point in time in their life time and 360 to 400 million people which represents more than 5% of the world’s population are chronic carriers with an estimated 600,000 deaths each year due to consequences of HBV. Objectives: The general objective of the study is to assess the knowledge, attitude and perception (KAP) concerning hepatitis B (HBV) among young adults of Sagnarigu district of Northern region. Methodology: The study was cross-sectional, carried among young adults of Sagnarigu district of Northern region. The tool for the study was structured questionnaire specially designed for this study. A total of 400 young adults (15-40 years) responded to the survey. Data were computerized using Excel and analyzed using SPSS (version 21). Results: The study showed that, sampled respondent had good knowledge about hepatitis B as majority (67.5%) of the respondent scored between the ranges of 8-12 indicating high knowledge. Additionally, respondents who were employed in the formal sector were one time more likely to show good knowledge on the mode of transmission of the hepatitis B virus infection as compared to those working in the informal sector (OR = 1.23; 95% CI: 1.7– 17.6; p ≤ = 0.001). Regarding the respondent’s attitude and perception towards patients infected with HBV and the infection, the findings showed average attitude and perception as most (49.5%) of the respondents scored an average mark of 3 indicating average attitude and perception. The study also revealed significant association between respondents occupation and willingness to test for the HBV infection (OR=1.23; 95% CI: 1.7-17.6; p ≤ =0.000). It was also observed that, those aged 25 years and above were 4 timesmore likely to go for the hepatitis B virus screening