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.
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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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