Revista de SIDA e investigación clínica

Awareness and Knowledge of Hepatitis B and HIV/AIDS, Among the University of Kassala Students, Sudan

Abstract

Fatima A. Khalid, Amna A. Eltayeb and NourEldaim E. Elbadawi

Background: Hepatitis B and AIDS are major health problems worldwide. The number of infected people is liable to increase. Both diseases run chronic courses causing a financial drain of family sources. Awareness towards prevention and control of these diseases is necessary among both educated and illiterate people. This study aimed to assess the University of Kassala students’ knowledge and awareness of the infectious nature of the two diseases.

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the students of the University of Kassala, Kassala State, Sudan. The study was held from April through July 2011. Data was collected through self administered questionnaire and analyzed by using SPSS version (16.0).

Findings: A total of 395 students has responded to the study, and completed a questionnaire on knowledge and awareness about hepatitis B and AIDS. Among these, 185 (46.8%) were males and 210 (53.2%) were females with ages ranging from 17 to 35 years (mean: 20.45 ± 2.89). The overall study revealed that, there was a weakness in general knowledge about viral diseases (AIDS and HBV) among students. Regarding AIDS, the students were knowledgeable about the communicability, infectious nature and transmission modes, but misconception was observed about symptoms and preventive measures. Concerning HBV viral infection, the students showed poor knowledge on causative agents, mode of transmission, symptoms and prevention. A significant difference was found between the students’ knowledge of AIDS and HBV concerning the routes of transmission (P= 0.009), symptoms (P=0.000) and prevention measures (P=0.000). These findings may be attributed to absence of formal school based health education in our country which may be the main reason for the poor knowledge of viral diseases including AIDS and hepatitis B.

Conclusion: This study showed that the students had poor knowledge and awareness, particularly about HBV compared to AIDS. As students play a pivotal role in dissemination of knowledge and raising awareness among their families and communities, more efforts should be exerted to develop the two parameters, particularly among the students of non- medical profession in order to limit the hazardous effects of such diseases.