LEVEL OF AWARENESS OF HEPATITIS B AMONG UNDERGRADUATE NURSING STUDENTS OF PRIVE NURSING COLLEGE IN KARACHI

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B is a major global public health problem caused by the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), which primarily affects the liver and can lead to chronic infection, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Nursing students are at occupational risk due to early clinical exposure, yet studies indicate significant knowledge gaps regarding transmission, prevention, and vaccination among undergraduate nursing students globally, including Pakistan.¹

Objective: To assess the Level of Awareness of Hepatitis B among Undergraduate Nursing Students of Prive Nursing College in Karachi.

Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study assessed the level of awareness regarding Hepatitis B among undergraduate nursing students at the British College of Nursing. A stratified comparative design was employed, evaluating two cohorts: a Junior Cohort (6th Semester, n = 40) and a Senior Cohort (8th Semester, n = 40), yielding a total sample of N = 80 students. A validated structured questionnaire covering four knowledge domains General Knowledge, Modes of Transmission, Prevention & Infection Control, and Signs/Symptoms/Diagnosis was used for data collection.

Results: The findings revealed a clear and statistically significant knowledge progression between cohorts. While the 6th-semester cohort demonstrated moderate knowledge levels (55.0% moderate, 20.0% poor), the 8th-semester cohort achieved a predominantly good knowledge profile (90.0% good), demonstrating the profound impact of clinical exposure and advanced academic training. Critical knowledge gaps were identified in the junior cohort regarding vertical transmission routes, long-term oncological complications, and diagnostic investigations, while the senior cohort demonstrated near-mastery across all tested parameters.

Conclusion: These findings underscore the urgent need for early clinical integration, mandatory vaccination monitoring, and structured infection control education at the undergraduate level to protect future healthcare professionals and minimize occupational risk.