London Rare Book School Announces Summer School 2025 Courses

Arts & Culture, Books

The London Rare Books School (LRBS) at the Institute of English Studies, University of London has revealed details of its courses next summer on a variety of book-related subjects. LRBS summer school 2025 wil run June 16- 20 (Week One) and June 23 – 27 (Week Two) as follows:Week OneMedieval Illumination with Professor Michelle BrownArtists’ Books with Gill PartingtonA History of Maps and Mapping with Katherine ParkerEnglish Bookbinding Styles with David PearsonBookshops and Booksellers: Five Centuries of Selling Books with Rachel Calder and Andrew NashEarly Modern Typography with James Misson Week TwoThe Anatomy of the Book: An Introduction to the Study of Printed Books c.1450-1800 with Michael DurrantEuropean Bookbinding, 1450-1820 with Nicholas PickwoadThe New Trade in Old Books: the Modern Rare Book Trade with Angus O’Neill and Leo CadaganThe Book Historian’s Digital Toolkit with Christopher OhgeThe Book in the Ancient World with Marigold NorbyeModern Political Pamphlets with Pragya DhitalBooks, Bodies and Minds: A special course hosted by the Wellcome Collection with Alexandra Hill and Elma BrennerLRBS short courses will also be on offer in 2025 including Digital Editing with Dr Christopher Ohge (January 29 and 31) and Print and the ascent of magic with Dr Pragya Dhital (Marh 25 – 27). Additional courses will be confirmed in the coming months.Courses are taught in and around Senate House and online so please do check location details before signing up. By using code LRBS10 at checkout you can save 10% on your course fees if you book before January 10, 2025.

Business Bound: Is Portugal the Ideal Spot for UK Freelancers?

Business News

Business Bound: Is Portugal the Ideal Spot for UK Freelancers?Thinking of starting a business in Portugal? The country offers numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs, but, like any new venture, it also presents its challenges. If you’re a non-Portuguese national looking to start your business, knowing the procedure and requirements will help you get off to a smooth and successful start.
How to Get Your Business Set Up
For UK citizens, launching a business in Portugal begins with securing the necessary documentation. As a non-EU national, obtaining a work visa is a key first step. Portugal’s digital nomad visa (D8 visa) offers an excellent pathway for freelancers, allowing you to live and work legally while pursuing entrepreneurial ventures. This visa is especially beneficial for remote professionals, offering flexibility to operate across borders.
After arriving in Portugal, you’ll need to obtain a NIF (Tax Identification Number) and a Social Security Number for tax and social security purposes. You will also need to register a local address and your business. Finally, transitioning from a business visa to a residence permit will ensure legal compliance and smooth operations.
Portugal’s Business Laws
UK freelancers must familiarize themselves with Portugal’s legal and financial framework, which includes understanding local regulations and securing the necessary licenses. Since Portuguese law differs from UK legislation, consulting an international commercial lawyer can help simplify processes like document submission, contract drafting, and tax compliance.
A separate business bank account is required for financial transparency, and you’ll need your NIF and proof of identification to set it up. This account ensures smooth operations and compliance with legal requirements. Portugal’s tax structure includes a 21% corporate income tax and VAT, but the government offers incentives for startups, such as lower VAT rates and deductions. Freelancers and sole traders also benefit from reduced tax burdens in their first year.
Choosing the right business structure is vital to success. Freelancers can operate as sole traders (Empresário em Nome Individual), benefiting from tax exemptions and no minimum capital requirement. Alternatively, partnerships offer shared responsibilities but require more documentation. Your choice should align with your goals, and consulting legal or financial advisors can help ensure long-term success.
Business Perks in Portugal: What’s in It for You?
Operating a business in Portugal offers significant advantages for UK freelancers. Despite no longer being part of the EU, the UK maintains bilateral social security agreements with Portugal, safeguarding workers’ rights and ensuring access to healthcare and benefits.
Portugal’s government actively encourages entrepreneurship through tax incentives and programs tailored to small businesses and freelancers. Reduced VAT rates, deductions, and initiatives like the digital nomad visa create a welcoming environment for professionals seeking to relocate and grow their businesses.
Portugal’s government encourages entrepreneurship through tax incentives, such as reduced VAT rates and deductions. Programs like the digital nomad visa make it easier for freelancers to relocate and thrive in the country. The lifestyle perks cannot be overlooked. With a warm climate, rich culture, and a thriving expat community, Portugal offers a high quality of life that appeals to professionals seeking career opportunities and personal fulfillment.

Glen Powell promises lookalike contest winner a special prize – a cameo in his next film

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Your support helps us to tell the storyFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.CloseRead moreGlen Powell has offered the winner of his lookalike contest the chance to select a beloved family to make a cameo in one of his forthcoming films.After the success of the Timothee Chalamet, Paul Mescal, Harry Styles, Dev Patel, Zayn Malik, and Zendaya look alike contests, the Glen Powell lookalike contest took place in the actor’s hometown of Austin, Texas.Hundreds gathered at Auditorium Shores in Town Lake Park on Sunday (24 November) to be selected by special judges – Powell’s mother and aunt – and win bragging rights to the face that most resembles the Hit Man star.Powell, who wasn’t able to make it to the contest in person due to filming obligations for Edgar Wright’s forthcoming remake of The Running Man in England, sent in a recorded video to the event with a message to all the participants.Starting with a joke on how he resembles Justin Hartley and had assembled attendees so he could pull off a heist, Powell declared that he had a prize that had “a cash-value prize of $6bn”.“Welcome to the Justin Hartley lookalike contest. In all seriousness I’ve assembled you here today at Auditorium Shores for an important mission. I want to pull off a heist. We don’t need masks because we all have the same face, it’s the perfect crime. They can’t get all of us because we are one. A criminal Glen-terprise,” said theTop Gun: Maverick actor.“Also, I know it’s November, but if no one is shirtless for no reason, then this whole thing is a sham and, obviously, no one is committed to the bit.“I know there is some cash and a hat at stake here, but I just wanted to say that the winner of today’s contest gets a personal prize from me. Now, you may know that my parents make a cameo in every movie I make, but today, the winner of the Glen Powell lookalike contest wins their parents or any family member of their choice a cameo in my next movie.“I am completely serious. This is a cash-value prize of $6bn.“Take a pic together for me, enjoy my favorite city in the world, keep Austin weird, hook ’em Horns and see ya around, every time I look in the mirror.”Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 daysNew subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelledTry for freeWatch Apple TV+ free for 7 daysNew subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelledTry for freeThe contest was won by Maxwell Braunstein, a physician’s assistant in Austin. He took home “a whopping $5, a cowboy hat, free queso from Torchy’s for a year, and a thumbs up from the real Glen Powell’s mom,” according to Fox 7.“My face hasn’t hurt like this since I was ten and at Disney World,” said Braunstein. “I did tell people I was going to win. I did mention that to my friends that sent it to me.”The first lookalike contest took place last month, when YouTuber Anthony Po decided to host a Timothee Chalamet lookalike contest in the Washington Square Park in New York. With more than 2,000 attendees, the contest had to be moved to Mercer Park after law enforcement intervened and dispersed the gathering.Fans were sent into a frenzy when the real Timothee Chalamet unexpectedly showed up. The Call Me By Your Name star walked up to a few of the contestants to take a photo, causing the entire crowd to erupt into excited shrieks.Lauren Bulla described attending a Paul Mescal lookalike contest forThe Independent, writing: “I was under the impression that part of the intrigue which seemingly draws attendees to these events is the hope of finding a celebrity lookalike boyfriend. If you can’t have the real thing, maybe your city’s closest match is the way to go. And so, filled with trepidation (and a healthy dose of scepticism), I went along to the Howl at the Moon pub in Hoxton to find out…”

India News | Gujarat’s Tourist Destinations Draws Surge of Visitors in Festive Season; Kankaria Emerges Popular Spot

Travel

Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], November 25 (ANI): Gujarat has emerged as a preferred destination for domestic and international tourists, showcasing its unmatched cultural heritage and natural beauty.Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the state has undertaken significant infrastructural advancements to position Gujarat’s tourism sector on the global map.Also Read | Apple iPhone Production in India Reaches USD 10 Billion in April-October 2024, Tech Giant Creates 1.75 Lakh Direct Jobs in 4 Years: IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.These efforts aim to provide an unparalleled experience to visitors, reflected in the steady rise in tourist footfall.During the 20-day Diwali holiday period, from October 26 to November 15, 2024, an impressive 61.70 lakh visitors explored 16 prominent tourist destinations and pilgrimage sites across the state.Also Read | CNG Price Hike: Compressed Natural Gas Prices Surge by INR 2 in Mumbai, Gurugram, Noida and Other Cities; Poll-Bound Delhi Spared.Ahmedabad’s Kankaria Lake alone drew over 5.50 lakh visitors, while the Dwarka Temple recorded the highest footfall, with more than 13 lakh devotees.Gujarat witnessed an impressive influx of 61.70 lakh visitors, who explored its 16 iconic tourist destinations and pilgrimage sites, showcasing the state’s growing appeal as a top travel destination during the Diwali holiday period.Popular attractions, including the Statue of Unity, Atal Bridge, Riverfront Flower Park, Kankaria Lake, Pavagadh Temple, Ambaji Temple, Girnar Ropeway, Science City, Vadnagar, Somnath Temple, Dwarka Temple, Nadabet, Modhera Sun Temple, Smritivan Memorial, Gir Safari, and Dandi Smarak, witnessed an overwhelming response from tourists. Meanwhile, the much-awaited Rann Utsav has officially commenced, attracting both domestic and international tourists.During the festival, visitors can enjoy a range of cultural programs along with various adventure sports activities.For the 2024-25 edition, the festival will feature an Adventure Zone offering 20 distinct activities, including paramotoring and ATV rides.Additionally, a Children’s Activity and Fun/Knowledge Park will be set up with 10 different activities, such as games and activities that promote understanding of nutrition, as well as a VR game zone.Recently, Gujarat hosted a series of G-20 meetings as part of India’s presidency. The state government successfully organized these meetings at world-class tourist destinations such as Dhordo in Kutch and the Statue of Unity, providing G-20 delegates with an opportunity to experience the rich heritage of Gujarat.Delegates visited notable attractions, including Dholavira, Modhera Sun Temple, Ahmedabad’s historical landmarks, GIFT City, and the Dandi Kutir, and praised the state’s cultural and historical legacy.Their visit to these ancient cities left a lasting impression, with delegates expressing that these sites are a treasure of the world, emphasizing the importance of preserving them for future generations. (ANI)(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)

‘All We Imagine As Light’: Divya Prabha’s Nude Scene From Payal Kapadia’s Film Leaks Online, Video Goes Viral on Reddit and Social Media

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Malayalam actors Kani Kusruti and Divya Prabha play the main lead in Payal Kapadia’s highly acclaimed All We Imagine as Light, which became the first Indian movie to win the Grand Prix at Cannes 2024. All We Imagine as Light also stars Chhaya Kadam, Hridhu Haroon and Azzez Nedumangad. The movie was released in theatres nationwide in India on November 22, 2024, after a limited release in Kerala on September 21, 2024, with a Malayalam title, Prabhayay Ninachathellam. ‘All We Imagine As Light’ Movie Review: ‘Spirit of Mumbai’ Gets a Poignant Reality Check in Payal Kapadia’s Beautifully Haunting Film.
However, with the wider release of the movie, a couple of bold scenes from All We Imagine as Light have also been leaked on social media as video clips. All We Imagine as Light features nudity, some kissing scenes and a prolonged lovemaking sequence. It has been rated Adults Only (A) in India for these sequences, and surprisingly, the scenes haven’t been censored in India.
Actress Divya Prabha has gone nude in one scene, where she is showing changing clothes in front of a mirror. Near the climax of the movie, there is also a scene where her character has sex with her boyfriend in the forest, but while there is a lot of skin display from both actors, the nudity is more tastefully done in this scene.
However, these scenes have made their way online on platforms like X and Reddit. There is also a tag going viral on X that reads ‘Divya Prabha Original Video Link’. Divya Prabha Original Video Link Goes Viral: Search Engine Platform Flooded With ‘All We Imagine As Light’ Actress’ Leaked Love-Making Scenes From Movie Online.
Screenshot of Leaked Clip on Reddit From All We Imagine as Light
Watch the Trailer of ‘All We Imagine as Light’:
[embedded content]
Apart from Divya Prabha, Kani Kusruti has also shown some side nudity in a sequence where her character is shown relieving herself outdoors. It is sad that the film is being discussed for these scenes, most of which don’t feel gratuitous (save for the dress-changing scene, which wasn’t very necessary) when All We Imagine as Light is quite a cerebral watch if you love meaningful cinema. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 25, 2024 02:59 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

Tourism ministry issues safety standards for watersports, activities

Travel

The Ministry of Tourism has issued a safety standard outlining measures to minimise accidents during watersports and other such tourist activities in the Maldives. The guidelines aim to address incidents that have led to tragedies involving tourists in water-based and beach-related excursions.
In a circular issued on Thursday to tourism service providers, the ministry announced that a formal regulation would soon be developed to ensure safer practices during such activities. In the interim, the circular provides safety standards that must be followed by councils, guesthouses, hotels, homestays, tourist vessels, and diving service operators.
The safety standards include the following requirements:

Design District Hong Kong (#ddHK) Creative Tourism Project Creative Journey · Infinite Discovery

Travel

Exploring the Unique Characteristics of Tsuen Wan and Sha Tau Kok and Presenting Hong Kong’s Diverse Tourism ExperienceHONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 November 2024 – “Design District Hong Kong” (#ddHK) creative tourism project, organised by the Tourism Commission of Hong Kong, is set to return from 12 December 2024 to 14 February 2025, bringing visitors from around the world to explore the captivating neighbourhoods of Tsuen Wan and Sha Tau Kok. Curated by Number 2, a new #ddHK event themed “Creative Journey · Infinite Discovery” integrates creative elements with the local cultural, heritage and natural offerings, promoting cultural tourism, island hopping and eco-tourism in an innovative manner, embarking visitors on an in-depth exploration of Hong Kong in brand new ways. Creative Units from Overseas, the Mainland and Hong Kong Creative Works Adorning Historical Monument and the Nature Continuing its mission to create brand new travel experiences through design and creativity, #ddHK will bring together a lineup of seven creative units from overseas, the Mainland and Hong Kong to enliven public space and innovatively highlight the charms and culture of Tsuen Wan and Sha Tau Kok through placemaking. In particular, #ddHK will install creative designs at a declared monument, a country park as well as on the sea, integrating tourism with design, cultural heritages and the natural scenery of Hong Kong. In addition, through crossovers with the cultural and creative hotspots, heritage sites, green destinations and local delicacies, an array of immersive visiting routes and brand new diverse experiences will be introduced to visitors. The collaborating creative units include animation artist Coolman Coffeedan (USA), interactive public art and design studio ENESS (Australia), multi-disciplinary artist En Iwamura (Japan), floral installation artist Kiki Ji (The Mainland), contemporary artist Louis To Wun (Hong Kong), artist and illustrator Vivian Ho (Hong Kong), and knot designer Zoe Siu (Hong Kong). (Please refer to Appendix 1 for brief biographies of the creative units.) The seven sets of time-limited creative works crossing over with local attractions of the two neighbourhoods are briefly introduced as follows: Animation artist Coolman Coffeedan (USA) “Coolman x Tsuen Wan” Coolman Coffeedan, at Sai Lau Kok Garden which is a focal point of the neighbourhood, re-creates stories about Tsuen Wan in the project “Coolman x Tsuen Wan.” The popular cartoon character, Spesh, leads his friends on their first journey to Tsuen Wan, exploring and experiencing the diversity and vibrancy of the neighbourhood. Interactive public art and design studio ENESS (Australia) “Cupid’s Koi Garden” ENESS brings their “Cupid’s Koi Garden”, the world’s first inflatable fountain with bright patterning, interactive jets of water and a rich soundscape to Tsuen Wan Park. Interactive and immersive, Cupid and his koi squirt jets of water on unsuspecting passers-by whenever they stop to admire his beauty. Floral installation artist Kiki Ji (The Mainland) “Flowing Natural” Inspired by the graceful flow of wind and water, as well as the fluttering of butterflies, the artist creates the “Flowing Natural” using traditional bamboo artistry fused with a modern take. It embodies fluid lines and movements blends itself seamlessly into the Shing Mun Country Park’s landscape, representing a harmonious fusion of traditional craftsmanship and the beauty of nature. Knot designer Zoe Siu (Hong Kong) “Woven Dreams: Prayers of Modernity” Inspired by the patterns of “caimen” at Sam Tung Uk Museum, a declared monument in Tsuen Wan, the designer combines wish-making tradition with contemporary auspicious themes. Employing the intricate weaving techniques of Hakka floral bands, the designer creates “Woven Dreams: Prayers of Modernity”, adorning this 200-year-old Hakka walled village. The reinterpretation showcases the charm of Hakka culture and intangible cultural heritage in a new light. Multi-disciplinary artist En Iwamura (Japan) “Interwoven Horizon” “Interwoven Horizon” delves into the ties among the sea, mountains, geology, islands as well as the sun and the moon. This creative installation floats leisurely in the sea near Sha Tau Kok Pier, offering a blend of art and nature against the stunning backdrop of the natural landscape. The artist takes inspiration from the nature to outline the landscape and geological features near Sha Tau Kok, bringing out the natural colours. Contemporary artist Louis To Wun (Hong Kong) “The Auspicious Dance” The artist combines traditional sculpting techniques with modern design structures, transforming Sha Tau Kok Square into a stage for dancing fishes. The dance moves and the waves mimicking the fluid and graceful movements of fishes, embodying harmony between humanity and nature. It honours the intricate relationship between the fishermen, their customs, and the sea. Artist and illustrator Vivian Ho (Hong Kong) “Stories on Wheels” Located at the Sha Tau Kok Promenade Sitting-out Area, “Stories on Wheels” is an innovative installation designed to capture and celebrate the vibrant narratives and everyday experiences of the residents of Sha Tau Kok. Utilising train as artistic canvases, the artist aims to showcase the unique cultural history and community life of Sha Tau Kok through vibrant and colourful illustrations with multi-media immersive experience inside the carriage. Vibrant and Diverse Activities Showcasing the Charm of Local Travel Experiences In addition to injecting creative elements into the neighbourhoods, #ddHK has collaborated with different teams to curate a series of activities filled with local flavours for participants to further experience Tsuen Wan and Sha Tau Kok. In particular, various themed guided tours will be organised to introduce a diversity of in-depth visiting routes to cater for the interests of different participants. These include “Shing Mun Reservoir Healing Tour” for exploring the nature, “Hidden Gem Discovery Tour” at Sha Tau Kok for discovering the islands in the Northeast New Territories, “Tsuen Wan Art and Harbour Cycling Tour” combining sports and culture, and “Tsuen Wan Hidden Gem Cultural Walk” for exploring the fascinating stories and cultural insights behind unique landmarks. #ddHK will also offer eco-friendly creative workshops, authentic cultural handicraft experiences, interactive traditional dance, and more. Market festivals, themed “Into the Landscape: Eco-art Festival” and “Sha Tau Kok Seaside Weekend Market” will be held in Tsuen Wan and Sha Tau Kok respectively, featuring local delicacies, lifestyle essentials, local handmade goods as well as music and local cultural experiences. The first activity “Hidden Gem Discovery Tour – Ap Chau & Kat O” will be held on 14 December. More activities will be offered in the following weeks. Through cross-sectoral collaboration, #ddHK will launch a number of collaborative activities with multiple parties. Specifically, in order to further develop the elements of Sha Tau Kok tourism and island-hopping tours in Yan Chau Tong, a seaside cultural space entitled “Joyful Reading‧Cultural Discovery @ Sha Tau Kok” will be set up in partnership with the Sha Tau Kok Public Library of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department offering titles on local history, travel, art and more; “In-Depth Exploration of Double Haven (Lai Chi Wo, Kat O, Ap Chau)” tours, with Sha Tau Kok as the starting point, will also be organised in partnership with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department’s Hong Kong Geopark. In addition, “Countryside Harvest Festival: Kuk Po ‘Sound-Sight-Taste Fusion’ Tour,” organised by the Countryside Conservation Office of the Environment and Ecology Bureau, will also be held concurrently. They all aim to offer a more diverse experience of blue-green tourism for tourists and locals. In order to facilitate the development of related tourism products by the tourism trade, the Tourism Commission, together with the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, has already held a briefing session for travel agents to introduce the event details and activities. More details of the event and registration information will be announced on #ddHK website https://designdistrict.hk/en/. Both tourists and locals are welcome to enjoy Tsuen Wan and Sha Tau Kok in brand new ways and experience the charm of Hong Kong’s local culture. (Please refer to Appendix 2: Design District Hong Kong (#ddHK) – “Creative Journey · Infinite Discovery” Activities & Experience) Design District Hong Kong (#ddHK) – “Creative Journey · Infinite Discovery” Event Period: 12 December 2024 to 14 February 2025 Stay tuned for further information and event announcements: Website: https://designdistrict.hk/en/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/designdistricthk Instagram: www.instagram.com/designdistricthk_ddhk Hashtag: #ddHKThe issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.About Design District Hong Kong (#ddHK)Design District Hong Kong (#ddHK) is a creative tourism project that celebrates authentic culture and creativity and livens up unique neighbourhoods in Hong Kong through design elements. Launched in 2018, #ddHK has transformed different neighbourhoods into new tourism destinations filled with characteristics, and has become a well-acclaimed creative cultural tourism project. A brand new #ddHK event themed “Creative Journey · Infinite Discovery” will be held from 12 December 2024 to 14 February 2025, leading visitors from around the world to immerse themselves into two diverse, distinctive and captivating neighbourhoods, Tsuen Wan and Sha Tau Kok. Creative elements will also be injected to highlight the unique charm of the two places. About Tsuen WanTsuen Wan is an emerging destination for immersive travel, attributable to its multi-faceted characters evolved in an organic manner. It is where history meets creativity, intangible cultural heritages mixed with chic lifestyle, and vibrant cityscape immersed in natural scenery. Well connected externally by two rail lines and internally by a district-wide footbridge network, a day trip there cannot be easier. About Sha Tau KokSha Tau Kok is a township in the northeastern-most part of Hong Kong adjacent to the Mainland. It has been a Frontier Closed Area with restricted access for decades, but when it was progressively opened up for tourism in recent years, many visitors have been immediately attracted by the lesser-known history, culture and natural elements there. Apart from its unique attractions, Sha Tau Kok is also the starting point for blue-green eco-tourism in the Northeast New Territories where tourists may easily access to the stunning nearby islands and villages, such as Lai Chi Wo, Kat O and Ap Chau in Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, by kaito ferry services, as well as the Robin’s Nest Country Park, Hong Kong’s newest country park.

Study finds gaps in Hepatitis B vaccination among health science students

Science and Health

A study from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has found significant gaps in the knowledge, attitudes, and vaccination rates of health science students for Hepatitis B, a disease that poses serious risks to healthcare workers and their patients.
The research surveyed 328 students across various health disciplines and highlights challenges in vaccination coverage and understanding of the disease. The study was presented at the 2024 Physiotherapy Research Symposium.
Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), transmitted through blood and other bodily fluids. Healthcare workers are at higher risk of infection due to their exposure in clinical environments.
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Vaccination is a key prevention measure, but the study found that while 74,4% of students reported receiving at least one dose of the HBV vaccine, only 20,4% had completed the full three-dose series required for protection.
Completion of the three-dose vaccination schedule is crucial for full immunity, but many students had not completed it. Of the students who received the vaccine, 64% showed good knowledge about HBV, but there were gaps in understanding important aspects.
For example, only 35% were aware that HBV can lead to liver cancer, and just 26% knew about post-exposure prophylaxis.
Knowledge levels varied across disciplines and years of study. Oral hygiene students scored the highest in knowledge assessments, while audiology and speech therapy students had the lowest scores. Fourth-year students generally showed better knowledge, suggesting that awareness increases with time in the programme.
ALSO READ | Quick facts about Hepatitis
Although UKZN requires proof of HBV vaccination by the end of the first year, the study found inconsistencies in vaccination records. Some students were vaccinated privately, and their records were not included in the university’s tracking system.
This creates gaps in documentation and potentially leaves some students without adequate protection.
The study also examined attitudes toward HBV vaccination. Most students (83%) believed that vaccination should be mandatory for health science students, and 75% supported antibody testing to confirm immunity. However, fewer students (65%) agreed on the importance of submitting proof of immunity before starting clinical work.
These attitudes indicate support for vaccination among students but also reveal a need for clearer communication about the risks of incomplete vaccination and its implications for patient and personal safety.
Similar challenges have been observed at other universities in South Africa. For instance, studies at Wits University and the University of Pretoria show that many health students lack a full understanding of HBV transmission and prevention.
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These findings suggest that the issues identified at UKZN reflect broader gaps in vaccination awareness and compliance within the country.
The researchers suggest that universities should take steps to address these issues. These include offering workshops and information sessions to improve HBV knowledge early in students’ training and ensuring all students complete their vaccination schedules.
They also recommend integrating HBV education into health science curricula and improving systems to track vaccination records.
Dr Thayananthee Nadasan, a co-supervisor of the study, highlighted the importance of targeted education: “Universities must ensure that students in all disciplines receive the same level of training and information about HBV risks and prevention.”
Incomplete vaccination and low awareness levels not only put students at risk but also have implications for public health. Ensuring that health science students are fully vaccinated and knowledgeable about HBV is an important step in protecting both healthcare workers and their patients.
The study’s findings point to a need for coordinated efforts from universities, healthcare institutions, and policymakers to close these gaps and promote safer practices within the healthcare sector.
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The research was conducted by nine fourth-year physiotherapy students from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville campus: Keya Darson, Letladi Lesiba, Mabaso Nozipho, Avantika Sukhoo, Mathenjwa Sivuse, Mthethwa Ziphozonke, Ntimbane Londiwe, Ntshingila Zipho, and Sithebe Sakhile.
The study was supervised by Dr Thayananthee Nadasan and Dr Oladapo Michael Olagbegi.

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