THE COPPERBELT UNIVERSITY

MICHAEL CHILUFYA SATA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

NDOLA CAMPUS

NAME: MTONGA VAKE

SIN: 15001816

PROGRAMME: MBchB

COURSE: PUBLIC HEALTH

TASK: RESEARCH PROPOSAL REPORT

SUPERVISOR: MR ERIC MBINDO NJUNJU

TITLE: KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF CLINICAL STUDENTS

AT THE COPPERBELT UNIVERSITY, SCHOOL OF
MEDICINE TOWARDS HEPATITIS B VACCINATION.
DEDICATION
I dedicate this work to my parents Mr and Mrs Mtonga who have ever been imparting their
knowledge and wisdom until where I am today.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I express my deepest gratitude to God for giving me a thought of coming up with this project
proposal out of the vast of projects which I could have done. The inspiration of this project
was as a result of the sympathy I had for a family whose son died of hepatitis B in 2017 in his
6th year of medical school at the Copperbelt University.

My sincere gratitude to Mr Eric NJunju for being my supervisor who on countless times
dedicated his time to make sure that I was doing the correct thing. This piece of work
couldn’t have been complete without him.

Not forgetting my parents and my brother Masuzyo Mtonga who were ever supporting me
and encouraging me throughout the project proposal.
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
1. AIDS........................ Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

2. ART......................... Anti Retroviral Therapy

3. CDC.........................Centres for Disease Control

4. DTP..........................Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis

5. HAV.......................... Hepatitis A Virus

6. HBV..........................Hepatitis B Virus

7. HBsAg........................Hepatitis B specific antigen

8. HCV............................Hepatitis C Virus

9. HIV.............................Human Immune-deficiency Virus

10. TDRC.........................Tropical Disease Research Centre

11. WHO............................World Health Organisation

12. ZCE..............................Zambia Code of Ethics

SUMMARY
Amongst the Hepatitis viruses that inflame the liver is the hepatitis B virus. Its mode of
transmission is via parenteral route as well as sexual contact. Hepatitis B can lead to an active
liver disease where a persistent infection will cause liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular
carcinoma. Although the disease has led to high morbidity and mortality rates, it is
preventable. Having enough knowledge about the disease and a proper attitude can be a mode
of preventing it. Health staff and medical students are at high risk of acquiring nosocomial
infections during their practice. Because clinical students face the threat of percutaneous
blood-borne infections such as Hepatitis B, it is necessary that clinical students start their
clinical practice with knowledge about Hepatitis B and have a good attitude towards the
disease.

This is a baseline cross sectional study aimed to determine the knowledge and attitude of
clinical students at the Copperbelt University, School of Medicine towards Hepatitis B and its
vaccine. Data will be collected from clinical students from
fourth year to sixth year using pre-designed questionnaire which will include questions
designed to fulfil the study
objectives. Results will then be entered and analysed using EPI info software.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Among the organs in the body with several functions is the liver which has the critical
function of maintaining the body's metabolic homeostasis. This includes processing of dietary
amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids, and vitamins; removal of microbes and toxins in
splanchnic blood en route to the systemic circulation; synthesis of many plasma proteins; and
detoxification and excretion into bile of endogenous waste products and pollutant xenobiotics
(Robbins, 2005). Hepatic disorders, therefore, have far-reaching consequences. Without the
liver, the body cannot get rid of drugs, poisons and other toxins out of the body.

However, the liver gets inflamed by numerous viruses, bacteria, toxins, drugs and
autoimmune disorders. Some of the most common viruses that injure the liver are the
hepatitis viruses. Many viruses and other infectious agents can cause hepatitis, but in the
industrialized world, more than 95% of cases of viral hepatitis involve a limited number of
hepatotropic viruses, named from A to G (Rubin, 2013).

Transmission of hepatitis B virus is by parenteral and/or sexual contact. People who usually
are exposed to hepatitis B patient’s blood or secretions are more prone to acquire this virus
via parenteral way such as drug injections or infusions. Therefore, infection prevention
measures have to be put up in health facilities to prevent the spread of the infection.

The virus has an incubation period of 1-6 months. Most patients present with an
asymptomatic or mild inflammation of the liver, which usually resolves spontaneously within
a few weeks or months. Although most people are able to clear the virus, 8-10% of adults go
on to develop chronic infection (Nshimbi, 2019). In some individuals, especially those who
are immunocompromised, the infection may develop into a severe life-threatening form acute
hepatitis. Chronic hepatitis B infection, lasting longer than 6 months, may lead to liver
cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer (WHO, 2017). In symptomatic hepatitis, patients can
present with jaundice, fever, skin rash, arthralgia, myalgia, fatigue, anorexia, nausea,
vomiting, and stomach pains. Symptoms may not be present up to 1 to 6 months after
diagnosis through a blood test.

Viral Hepatitis B is one the most serious public health problems worldwide (Karimi, 2013).
Worldwide, over 500 million people are infected with hepatotropic viruses and are at
considerable risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma. According to WHO records of
2017, about 780 000 people die every year due to Hepatitis B and its complications. Sub-
Saharan Africa falls in medium to high endemic area for Hepatitis B infection with about 70
to 90% of the population become HBV infected before the age of 40years and 5 to 20% of
people are HBV carriers (Evelyn et al, 2008). In Zambia, the estimated overall prevalence of
Hepatitis B virus is 5.6% among ages 15-59; prevalence among HIV positive individuals is
7.1% whereas in the HIV negative stands at 5.4% (ZAMPHIA, 2016).

Hepatitis B is preventable with currently available safe and effective vaccines. Hepatitis B
vaccine is available as monovalent formulations or in fixed combination with other vaccines,
including diphtheria–tetanus–pertussis (DTP), Haemophilus influenzae type b, hepatitis A
and inactivated polio. The immune responses and safety of these combinations of
vaccines are comparable to those observed when the vaccines are administered separately.
In Zambia, the control strategies have focused on blood blank screening and childhood
vaccination leaving the adult population at an increased risk (Nshimbi, 2019). Recent efforts
to address the Hepatitis B burden have seen the inclusion of the hepatitis treatment in the HIV
treatment guidelines, but no deliberate efforts have been made to address mono-infection and
prevention of new infections (NHSP, 2017). Furthermore, the vaccine in Zambian hospitals is
hardly accessible and adults or health practitioners who wish to be vaccinated must take it
upon themselves to buy from pharmacies. CDC states some of the trade names of the
vaccines like Engerix-B® and Recombivax HB® which are monovalent vaccines while
Twinrix® is a combination of Hepatitis A and B vaccines.

Because medical students face the threat of percutaneous injuries with the consequent risk of
contracting blood-borne infections such as hepatitis B and C viruses ( Mohammadi, 2010), their
general knowledge and attitude about viral hepatitis and its transmission and prevention can
stop the spread of this disease in hospitals and society ( Ghahramani, 2006). Therefore, this
study focuses on assessing the knowledge and the attitude of clinical students at the
Copperbelt University, school of medicine towards Hepatitis B vaccination seeing that they
are at increased risk during their clinical rotations.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Hepatitis B is a serious and fatal pandemic disease affecting every age. However, people
more likely to acquire the virus are babies immediately after birth and the health workers due
to its mode of transmission. Student doctors and nurses are also at high risk of acquiring this
virus if not vaccinated against it. Being found in the hospital puts students at a greater risk of
getting infected especially those doing their clinical rotations. Therefore, it is essential for
students to be knowledgeable about hepatitis B, how to prevent themselves from acquiring
the virus, as well as the vaccination program. Not only should students be aware of hepatitis
B, they must be vaccinated to prevent themselves from acquiring the virus while being found
in the hospital. The Copperbelt University, school of medicine, is every year increasing the
number of students proceeding to their clinical years. Because of this, it is necessary for
students to be aware of the risks they are to encounter while doing their clinical rotations in
the hospital, this includes Hepatitis B, and know the preventable measures, and be vaccinated
against the disease.
1.3 LITERATURE REVIEW
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

About 600 000 people die every year due to the acute or chronic consequences of hepatitis B
(WHO, 2012). There has been a rise in the number of people who die every year due to
hepatitis B and its consequences according to World Hepatitis Alliance (2016) from 600, 000
to about 1.4 million people per year. The prevalence of HB is highest in Sub-Saharan Africa
and East Asia where 5-10% of the adult population is chronically infected (WHO, 2016) and
According to World Hepatitis Alliance (2016), 95% of people infected with viral hepatitis are
unaware of their status.

There are many factors which are common all around the world influencing HBV awareness
and knowledge among people such as minimal public awareness about the nature of the
infection including the mode of transmission, the economic status of the country and sub-
standard health facilities (Alam, 2007). In addition, occupation, level of education, HBs Ag
vaccination (Karaivazoglou et al, 2014), illiteracy, poverty, lack of political interest and
limited resources are among them (Ngaira et al, 2016). The burden of HBV infection can be
attributed to lack of awareness of the infection by the general population and due to little
knowledge in predicting its outcome and progression. Ali et al (2011) commented on HBV
infection in Pakistan that the viral infection is markedly rising particularly due to its relatively
high endemicity and lack of awareness.

In India, HBV infection is 50-100 times more infectious than HIV (Tirounilacandin, et al
2009). However, despite the intermediate endemicity of HBV in India, results obtained from
a cross-sectional study conducted among undergraduate dental students of a Rural Dental
College, in Gujarat, India to assess their knowledge and awareness of HBV showed that 19%
out of the 277 students had adequate knowledge about the HBV disease process before the
education program (Bailoor et al, 2012). Another study conducted by Patilet al (2016) where
a cross sectional study was carried out on first year MBBS students of BLDEU Shri B.M.
Patil medical college Vijaypur concluded that half of the students were unaware of high risk
of transmission to them for being a health care professional. This poor outcome is due to lack
of orientation and sensitization programme which should be held to create awareness
regarding HBV infection.

In a survey by Ahmadi et al (2015) on health care workers’ knowledge and attitude toward
Hepatitis B in Iran, the knowledge of the majority of health care workers was moderate and
they found female health care workers more knowledgeable about HBV infection than males.
Another study by Roya et al (2013) to assess the knowledge and attitude of medical science
students toward hepatitis B and C infections at Guilan University of Medical Sciences also
concluded that the knowledge of the majority of health care workers was moderate. In a study
by Mortel (2002), the knowledge of health care workers regarding HCV was poor.
Ghahramani et al (2006), also in a study in Shiraz reported that the knowledge of students of
medical sciences with respect to the type of hepatitis (A, B, C, D and E) was very weak. In a
report by Razi et al (2010) in Pakistan, the survey showed fair level of knowledge among
university students regarding hepatitis B and C, but gaps in knowledge were identified which
need to be strengthened in students especially in non-biological sciences group. In
comparison with the above studies, the study conducted by Roya (2013) showed that the
majority of correct answers were related to the nature and transmission of the viruses but in
the study by Ghahramani et al (2006), students’ knowledge with respect to the prevention of
disease was higher than other aspects while in the survey of Ahmadi et al (20115), the
knowledge of health care workers about the nature of HBV infection was the lowest.

REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE

Sub-Saharan Africa falls in medium to high endemic area for Hepatitis B infection with about
70 to 90% of the population become HBV infected before the age of 40years and 5 to 20% of
people are HBV carriers (Evelyn et al, 2008). A study on sero-epidemiology of HBV and
HCV in the general population conducted in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso showed that the
undergraduate students and informal workers were the most affected as opposed to those with
higher level of education (Tao et al, 2014). The study reported that many people do not have
information on the importance of vaccination as primary prevention against HBV.

Another cross sectional descriptive study by Abiola (2014) on knowledge, attitude and
practice of Hepatitis B vaccination among health workers at the Lagos State Accident and
Emergency Centre, Toll-Gate, Alausa, Lagos State with 88 participants concluded that the
respondents had good knowledge and good attitude but poor practice of hepatitis B
vaccination. In this study, the sample size was small and cannot be concluded that most
health care providers have adequate knowledge about hepatitis B, which is in contrast to a
similar study done in South Africa where the minority (33.5%) had good knowledge
(Patricia, 2009). Therefore, it is important that health workers including medical students to
be provided with adequate information on blood-borne viruses in order to reinforce the
knowledge and attitude which will eventually translate into a good practice of hepatitis B
vaccination.

In the data by Abdnur (2016) on assessment of knowledge, attitudes and practices toward
prevention of hepatitis B virus infection among students of medicine and health sciences in
Northwest Ethiopia concluded that trainees (students) in health profession are at a very high
risk of contracting HBV infection during their training owing to low HBV vaccine uptake
rate and high rate of accidental exposure to blood. Thus, it is recommend that all students in
the health care profession should be vaccinated prior to their entry into professional practices.
Yonatan et al  (2013), also concludes that lack of awareness about Hepatitis B, its route of
transmission and modes of prevention among the medical students entering into the
profession. From the above studies, lack and knowledge and vaccination against Hepatitis B,
makes students more vulnerable to the disease.

NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

In Zambia, HBV infection is borderline intermediate/ high endemicty (Andre, 2000) and
according to WHO (2016), 6-8% of the estimated population may be chronically infected
with HBV. Mkandawire et al (2013), commenting on HBV infection, attributed the
considerably low levels of awareness and knowledge to lack of public emphasis given to
HBV infection as compared to that given to HIV/AIDS. In an article by Chanda (2015) on the
prevention of hepatitis B in Zambia, concluded that there is lack of knowledge and awareness
of HBV infection among many Zambians. In another exploratory study by Mungandi et al
(2017) on Hepatitis B vaccination coverage and the determinants of vaccination among health
care workers in selected health facilities in Lusaka district, findings of the research suggested
that there is indeed a low number (64/331, 19%) of HCWs vaccinated against hepatitis B in
Lusaka district, Zambia. However, this study had limitations in that the sample size of 331
was small for the study because of limited resources, and research on a similar study must be
conducted to include a larger sample size. Information on whether a HCW knew their
hepatitis B status was also not collected.

Very few studies have been done to ascertain the knowledge of Hepatitis B amongst health
care workers and especially students doing their rotations at local hospitals in Zambia.
Therefore, this study will focus on filling in the gap in information to ascertain the knowledge
and attitude of medical students at the Copperbelt University towards Hepatitis B and give
recommendations to the school and national policy makers according to the findings from the
study.

1.4 OBJECTIVES
GENERAL OBJECTIVE

 To determine the knowledge and attitude of students doing clinical rotations at the
Copperbelt University, School of Medicine towards Hepatitis B vaccination.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

 To determine the level of knowledge that students doing clinical rotations at the
Copperbelt University, School of Medicine have on Hepatitis B and its vaccination.
 To identify whether there are variations in the number of students who get vaccinated
over the years.
 To determine the attitude towards vaccination of Hepatitis B among students doing
clinical rotations at the Copperbelt University, School of Medicine.
 To make recommendations to authorities that will ensure that there is increased levels
of HBV vaccinations.

1.5 STATEMENT OF HYPOTHESIS/ STUDY QUESTION

What is the knowledge and attitude of students doing clinical rotations at the Copperbelt
University, school of medicine towards hepatitis B vaccination?
1.6 RATIONALE AND JUSTIFICATION OF THE PROBLEM

The Copperbelt University, School of Medicine has opened the door for many school leavers
to study medicine and other heath related programs at its institution. However, not only do
patients seek medical treatment, doctors as well need to be in good health and prevent
themselves from hospital acquired diseases such as Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B has been an
occupational hazard for doctors and has caused many deaths. Existing Hepatitis
immunization program in Zambia focuses primarily on children six weeks of age, leaving the
adult population at risk (EPI, 2017). Medical students, especially those doing their clinical
rotations in hospitals are at an in increased risk of acquiring nosocomial infections which
include Hep B virus.

Therefore, it is essential for clinical medical students at the Copperbelt University to have
knowledge and to vaccinate against HBV. This study will help the school to know the status
of students concerning Hepatitis B and the percentage of those that are, and not vaccinated.
This will in turn help the school to come up with an intervention to reduce deaths of health
workers.

1.7 MEASUREMENTS
There are a number of operational definitions that frame and help guide this research. These
include:

Knowledge of Hepatitis B: This is the ability of a person to have correct understanding of

Hepatitis B in terms of causative agent, mode of transmission, signs and symptoms,
treatment, vaccine, and its prevention.

Attitude towards Hepatitis B: This includes beliefs on susceptibility, seriousness and threat
of Hepatitis B.

Practice of Hepatitis B prevention: Routine activities and actions of individual or group for
prevention of hepatitis B. these include vaccination against HBV, proper care during handling
of blood, taking precaution with the use of sharps, having protected sex, and abstinence.

Vaccination of Hepatitis B: This includes taking of drugs which prevent acquiring of HBV
or HBV transmission.
Knowledge measurement: 2 points will be given to each correct answer. A total of 20 can
be attained. The following will be the grading system to be used;

a. Very good > 15 points

b. Good 10-15 points
c. Below average < 10
Attitude measurement: 5 point will be given to each correct answer. A total of 30 can be
scored.

a. Positive attitude > 15 points

b. Negative attitude < 15 points
Vaccination: This will give the number of vaccinated and unvaccinated participants.
1.8 CONCEPTUAL/THEORITICAL FRAMEWORK

Education

Knowledge of HBV
infection

Awareness
Beliefs

Vaccination

Cost of vaccine

FIGURE 1: Conceptual framework

2.0 METHODOLOGY
2.1 STUDY SETTING (SITE)
This study will be conducted at Copperbelt University, School of Medicine, Ndola campus.

2.2 STUDY POPULATION

The study will be composed of medical students doing their clinical rotations (from 4 th year to
6th year) at the Copperbelt University, School of Medicine willing to take part in the study.

2.3 STUDY DESIGN

A cross-sectional study will be carried out on medical students
at the Copperbelt University, School of medicine to assess the knowledge and attitude
towards Hepatitis B vaccine using quantitative analysis. Data will be collected from students
using pre-designed questionnaire which will include questions designed to fulfil the study
objectives.

2.4 SAMPLE SIZE

The sample size will be determined using the EPI Info statistical programme software version
7.1.3.3. The following formula will be used:

n
sample ¿ n/ [1− ( population )]
Where,

p ( 1− p )
n=z∗z [ ]
e∗e

p=8% (upper limit of HBV prevalence rate in Zambia), Z=1.96 at 95%.

A sample size of 150 will be used.

50 from 4th year, 50 from 5th year, and 50 from 6th year. However this shall be adjusted
according to the response rate.
2.5 SAMPLING METHOD
Systematic random sampling will be used. This is a probability sampling method in which
respondents are selected according to a random starting point and a fixed periodic interval
size (K). This will allow an equal chance of selecting respondents from within the population
(N) hence the results obtained from the study will be a representative of the population as
there is no biasness in the characteristics of people included in the study and further ensures
that the findings of the study are valid and reliable.

2.6 INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA

To yield accurate results from the study, the inclusion criteria will include the following:

1. Any student who has been in school for more than one academic term.
2. The student must be a clinical student in the school of medicine.

The exclusion criteria will include the following:

1. Any student who is too ill to participate in the study.

2. Any student who for a religious reason or sociocultural reason is not allowed to
participate.
3. If the participation of the student interferes with their academic work.

2.7 DATA COLLECTION

Participants who meet the inclusion criteria will be handed structured questionnaires
developed by the Principal researcher. An oral presentation about the questions will be given
to avoid misunderstanding the questions. Information about the study will be given and
consent shall be obtained. The questionnaire that will be used is provided in the appendix of
this document.

2.8 DATA MANAGEMENT

The data collecting instrument will be a structured interview developed by the researcher.
After data collection, raw data will be edited for completeness and consistency, then will be
categorised and coded. The EPI Info software version 7.1.3.3 statistical package will be used
to analyse data.

2.9 DATA ENTRY AND ANALYSIS

For data analysis, the software to be used is EPI Info software version 7.1.3.3 statistical
package. Double entry of data will be done to minimise on errors. There will be verification
of returned questionnaires by respondents and data collected will be properly arranged.
Descriptive statistics for the prevalence and quantitative variables will be used. The
parameters to be looked at being are gender, marital status, program of study, year of study,
knowledge of HBV and vaccination status.

2.10 ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Ethical approval will be sought from the Tropical Diseases Research Centre (TDRC) Ethics
Review committee at Ndola Teaching Hospital in order to ensure that the research is in line
with the Zambian Code of Ethics (ZCE) with respect to Justice, Beneficence, Non-
malfeasance, and Autonomy. There will be respect for human rights and that participants will
be willing to withdraw at any time during the process of data collection.

Benefits of participation: There will not be any immediate benefits for participating in this
study. However, many people may benefit in future if answers are found to the questions this
study is asking. Participants will not be asked to do something and neither will they be paid
something for participating in this study.

Risks and discomforts: There are no risks nor discomforts associated with participation in
this study. Participants will only sacrifice some few minutes of their time.

Protection of confidentiality: Records will be kept confidential. Identity will not be revealed
in any report that might result from this study.

Voluntary participation: Participation in this study is entirely voluntary. Participants have

the right to choose not to participate in this study and consent of participation can be
withdrawn at any time without any effect.

A letter will be sent to the Dean of the school prior to the study so that the school may
prepare and accommodate this research. If the request is accepted, the school may also
arrange meetings with the students for presentations on HBV vaccination.

2.11 STUDY LIMITATIONS

Limitations to this study may be encountered during the collection of data. Some students
may not be able to participate because of the busy schedule.
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APPENDIX
1.0 STUDY PLAN
Task to be performed NOVEMBER AUG/SEPT AUG/SEPT OCTOBER
2017 2020 2020 2020
Handing in project
idea
Approval handing in
of research proposal
Data collection

Data entry

Data analysis

Report writing

Submission of report

2.0 BUDGET
ITEM QTY UNIT PRICE (K) TOTAL PRICE (K)
Rim of paper 3 55 165
Pens 6 2 12
Printing/ Photocopying 500
TDRC committee 500 500
Assistant 1 500 500
Transport 2 200 400
Project binding 2 25 50
Miscellaneous 500

GRAND TOTAL K 2,627.00

STUDY PARTICIPANT INFORMATION SHEET AND CONSENT

SHEET
STUDY TITLE: Knowledge and attitude of clinical students at the Copperbelt University,
School of Medicine towards Hepatitis B vaccination.

Hello, my name is Mtonga Vake a student from the Copperbelt University, School of
Medicine. I am are carrying out a research to determine the knowledge and attitude of clinical
students at the Copperbelt University, School of Medicine towards Hepatitis B and its
vaccination. The study is being co-ordinated by Mr Eric M Njunju, from the Copperbelt
University, School of Medicine.

Description of the research participant: You are invited to participate in this study
conducted at the Copperbelt University.

The purpose of the study is to find out the knowledge of students about Hepatitis B
vaccination as well as assess the attitude towards the disease. Hepatitis B is a health risk for
those working and found in the hospital. Students therefore need to be aware of the risk to be
faced during their clinical practice. Based on the findings from this study, appropriate
recommendations will be made to ensure that all students have a proper knowledge about the
disease and know how to prevent themselves from getting the disease.

Your participation will involve answering questions on the questionnaire. Your responses on
the questionnaire will be evaluated to see your knowledge and attitude towards Hepatitis B
vaccination. The amount of time required for participation will be a few minutes
(approximately less than 20 min) during which you will be asked to answer the questions in
the questionnaire.

Benefits of participation: There will not be any immediate benefits if you accept to
participate in this study. However, many people may benefit in future if we are able to find
answers to the questions this study is asking. You will not be asked to do something and
neither will you be paid something for participation in this study.

Risks and discomforts: There are no risks nor discomforts associated with participation in
this study. You will only sacrifice some few minutes of your time.

Protection of confidentiality: Your responses will be kept confidential. Your identity will
not be revealed in any report that might result from this study.

Voluntary participation: Your participation in this study is entirely voluntary. You have the
right to choose not to participate in this study and consent of participation can be withdrawn
at any time without any effect.
 Contact information: If you have any questions or concerns about this study or if any
problems arise, please contact Mr Eric M Njunju, Copperbelt University, School of Medicine
on +260 955 800 892

If you have any complaints about the conduct of the study, you may contact the Secretary of
the Tropical Disease Research Centre Ethics Committee in the following address:

TDRC Ethics Review Committee

Box 71769

NDOLA

Telephone number: +260 212 615 444 Email: [email protected]

Statement of consent

The procedure, risks and benefits of the study have been explained clearly to me and I
therefore, agree to allow my child to participate in the study and sign this form. By signing
this form, I do not give up any of my child’s or my legal rights.

A copy of this signed form will be given to me

____________________ _____________

Signature Date

Information to respondent:
QUESTIONNARE
Date:to learn
We wish / about
/ .
your knowledge and attitude regarding Hepatitis B vaccination. The
information you will provide will help improve the knowledge of Hepatitis B vaccination as well as
assess the attitude of students towards Hepatitis B vaccination.

Your answers will not be released to anyone and will remain anonymous. Your name will not be
written on the questionnaire or be kept in any other records. Your participation is voluntary and you
may choose to stop the interview at any time.
GENERAL AND DEMOGRAPHIC QUESTIONS

(Circle the correct answer)

1. What is your gender?

a) Male
b) Female
2. What is your marital status?
a) Single
b) Married
3. What is your program of study?
a) Medicine and surgery
b) Dental surgery
c) Biomedical science
4. Have you ever worked in the hospital?
a) Yes
b) No
5. Are you currently in employment?
a) Yes
b) No
KNOWLEDGE

(Circle the correct answer)

1. What do you think causes Hepatitis B?

a) Virus
b) Bacteria
c) Mosquito bite
 d) Worm
2. Can Hepatitis B be spread through close personal contact such as kissing?
a) yes
b) no
3. Hepatitis B can lead to which disease
a) HIV/AIDS
b) Malaria
c) Liver cirrhosis
d) Sickle cell anaemia
4. People with hepatitis B should restrict their alcohol intake
a) Yes
b) No
5. HBV can be acquired at the same time as HIV
a) Yes
b) No
6. Hepatitis B can be spread through sharing injections. T/F
7. Hepatitis B cannot be transferred from mother to child...T/ F
8. Sexual transmission is a common way Hepatitis B is spread... T/ F
9. Blood transfusion cannot lead to transmission of Hepatitis B... T/ F
10. Breast feeding can cause the transmission of the virus... T/ F

ATTITUDE

(Circle yes or no)

1. Health professionals who are HBV positive should not give health care to patients
a) Yes
b) No
2. Would you treat a patient with HBV?
a) Yes
b) No
c) Am not sure
3. Would you prefer to use additional infection control precautions when treating
patients with HBV?
 a) Yes
b) No
4. Would you spend enough time with an individual with HBV
a) Yes if I’m vaccinated
b) No even if I am vaccinated
5. The possibility that one would catch HBV at work is low
a) Yes
b) No
6. Would you educate your family about HBV
a) Yes
b) No

KNOWLEDGE ON VACCINATION

1. Is there a vaccine for HBV?

a). Yes
b). No
2. Have you been vaccinated against HBV?
a) Yes
b) No
3. If your ans on (2) is No, When do you think of being vaccinated against HBV?
a) When I have money to buy the vaccine
b) When I start working
c) when the school buys the vaccine
d) I don’t think of being vaccinated
4. Is there anyone you know who died of HBV?
a) Yes
b) No