Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Towards Prevention and Transmission of Hepatitis B Infection Among Medical Interns in a Teaching Hospital of Western Uttar Pradesh: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the major public health problem in the world. WHO estimates that 254 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B infection in 2022, with 1.2 million new infection each year. In Western Uttar Pradesh, data regarding knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) towards occupational exposure to HBV among the Interns is scarce. Therefore, this study is planned to assess the KAP of Medical Interns towards prevention and transmission of Hepatitis B infection.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 1 to October 1, 2024, among medical interns at teaching hospital in Etawah. Simple random sampling was used, and data were collected using a self-administered, structured questionnaire distributed via google forms. The questionnaire comprised of socio-demographic information and items relating to KAP towards HBV transmission and prevention. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 24.

Results: Of 200 eligible interns, 177 (88.5%) participated. The majority were male (57.6%) and aged 25-30 years (62.1%). Nearly all participants (94.9%) demonstrated correct knowledge regarding the Hepatitis B vaccine, and 93.7% correctly identified the routes of HBV transmission. However, only 73.4% were fully vaccinated against HBV, while 26.6% were partially vaccinated. Approximately 95.5% acknowledged the safety of the HBV vaccine and 96.0% agreed that adherence to infection control guidelines would afford protection; Approximately one-fourth of participants reported a lack of confidence in managing HBV-infected patients, and most had not completed dedicated HBV-related training courses.

Conclusions : Medical interns demonstrated satisfactory knowledge of HBV infection and its routes of transmission. However, significant gaps in vaccination coverage and attitudinal inconsistencies particularly regarding standard precautions and confidence in patient management underscore the need for mandatory infection prevention training and institutional policies ensuring complete HBV immunization prior to commencement of clinical practice.