Knowledge of hepatitis B virus infection among traders

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a public health problem in Nigeria, with 13% of its general population having evidence of a previous or current infection. Lack of awareness of HBV, its risk factors, and its consequences are recognized as major deterrents to adopting positive preventive behavior including immunization among HBV high-risk groups.

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of HBV infection among traders.

Materials and Methods: A structured KAP questionnaire on HBV infection was administered to traders as part of the activities to mark the World Hepatitis Day in 2014. A score was created for the correct answer to 20 questions.

Results: A total of 335 traders were interviewed for this study. The mean age was 33.08 ± 13.8 years and the median age was 29 years. There were 165 males and 170 females. Majority of the traders had secondary education (57.1%) and were of the Ibibio and Igbo tribes. Only 10.4% had HBV vaccination. Only 44.2% of the traders reported having any knowledge of HBV. The most common source for the knowledge was television/radio (25%) and hospitals (22%). The median (interquartile range) of the overall KAP score was low (11, 5–16). The score was least in persons aged 35 years and above, but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.33).

Conclusion: The knowledge of HBV is low among traders in Calabar metropolis. There is need to intensify educational campaigns for the general public.

Keywords: Attitude and practice, hepatitis B virus, knowledge, traders