Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Health science students are at a high risk of contracting hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) due to the likelihood of accidental exposure to contaminated blood. This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge regarding HBV and HCV among Taibah University health science students.

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among health science students from Taibah University, Saudi Arabia, using a validated online questionnaire from 14 February 2022 to 9 July 2022. HBV and HCV knowledge levels among applied medical sciences (AMS), nursing, medicine, medical rehabilitation sciences (MRS), pharmacy, and dentistry undergraduate students were evaluated. The questionnaire was divided into two parts. The first part comprised 5 demographic questions, while the second part comprised 10 questions regarding HBV and HCV infection.

RESULTS: A total of 369 students participated in the survey. Knowledge levels regarding HBV and HCV were relatively low, with a mean knowledge score of 6.8 ± 1.8 (out of 10). Results revealed a positive correlation between students’ knowledge levels and year of education, with knowledge scores increasing with increases in participants’ academic year. Knowledge levels were primarily impacted by students’ disciplines.

CONCLUSION: This study revealed inadequate levels of knowledge regarding HBV and HCV among health science students at Taibah University. There was a positive correlation between knowledge level and academic year. Efforts should be made to improve HBV and HCV knowledge through awareness campaigns, educational interventions, and preventive measure training.

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