Abstract

Dr. Maha Saher, Dr. Muhammad Bahawalzeb and Dr. Aliza Abbass Syed*

ABSTRACT

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection causes significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Occupational exposure of health care workers and medical students increase their risk of acquiring HBV infection, and many authorities recommend vaccination. However, significant proportions of health care workers do not receive HBV immunization, and remain at increased risk to HBV infection. Objectives: To study the vaccination status against Hepatitis B among medical students enrolled in Nishtar Medical University. Methods: This cross sectional, randomized, observational study was done at Nishtar Medical University, Multan. It has a total of 1500 medical students from first year to final year. All students were interviewed using a pre structured questionnaire to find out the vaccination status of these students and the reasons for not getting vaccinated. Results: A total of 175 medical students were approached to participate in the study but only 150(85%) students (M=75, F=75) gave response. Out of the total 150 students, 117 (78%) were vaccinated against Hepatitis B. amongst this group 90 (77%) had completed their vaccination schedule of 03 doses and 27 (23%) were partially vaccinated. Vaccination uptake was higher 63 (84%) in females as compared to males 53 (71%). Reasons of not vaccination were lack of knowledge about consequences (15.5%), casual behavior (36%), don’t know where to obtain the vaccine (12%), fear of injection (10%), busy in studies (10%) and financial problems (8%). Only 74 (63%) students were screened before taking the vaccine. Conclusions: Despite the availability and accessibility of a cost effective Hepatitis B vaccine since mid-80s, the vaccination coverage among medical students is low. Health education needs to be improved in all medical students.