Bridging the Knowledge Gap in High-Prevalence Regions: Assessing Hepatitis B Vaccination Awareness Among Healthcare Students in Kassala State, Sudan
1
KURA Research Center, University of Kassala, Kassala, Sudan
2
KURA Research Center, Kassala, Sudan
3
Al Yarmook University, Khartoum, Sudan
4
KURA Research Center. Ibn Sina University, Khartoum, Sudan
5
KURA Research Center, University of Gazira, Madani, Sudan
6
Harvard University, Boston, United States
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) remains a formidable public health challenge in Sudan, specifically within regions reporting high case rates such as Kassala State. Healthcare students in these high-prevalence areas face an elevated risk of needle-stick injuries and occupational exposure during clinical training. This study aimed to evaluate the awareness of HBV vaccination protocols among medical and nursing students to identify knowledge gaps that contribute to infection risks within this specific geographical context.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 239 students (Medical: 66.1%; Nursing: 33.9%) in Sudan. Data regarding knowledge of dose requirements, immunity timelines, and vaccine accessibility were analyzed by SPSS. Pearson’s Chi-Square tests (p < 0.05) correlated demographic variables with HBV knowledge levels, focusing on clinical preparedness for high-risk environments in Eastern Sudan.
RESULTS:
Analysis revealed a profound knowledge-practice gap. Despite the documented geographical risk in Kassala, 48.1% of participants were unaware of the standard three-dose regimen required for seroconversion. A significant correlation was observed between academic seniority and knowledge of vaccine protection (p < 0.001), confirming that junior students enter clinical environments with critical levels of vulnerability. Furthermore, a disciplinary disparity was identified; medical students demonstrated significantly higher awareness of vaccine efficacy compared to nursing students (p < 0.001), exposing a major weakness in the nursing biosafety curriculum. Economic uncertainty remains a primary barrier, as 48.5% of students were unaware of the vaccine’s cost structure, and only 8% perceived it as a free service. Finally, only 24.7% of the cohort correctly identified the 6-month timeline for achieving full immunity.
CONCLUSIONS:
In regions like Kassala State, the observed knowledge-practice gap is a critical concern. The study underscores an urgent need for standardized, mandatory HBV vaccination and integrated biosafety education before students commence clinical rotations to protect Sudan’s future healthcare workforce.
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) remains a formidable public health challenge in Sudan, specifically within regions reporting high case rates such as Kassala State. Healthcare students in these high-prevalence areas face an elevated risk of needle-stick injuries and occupational exposure during clinical training. This study aimed to evaluate the awareness of HBV vaccination protocols among medical and nursing students to identify knowledge gaps that contribute to infection risks within this specific geographical context.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 239 students (Medical: 66.1%; Nursing: 33.9%) in Sudan. Data regarding knowledge of dose requirements, immunity timelines, and vaccine accessibility were analyzed by SPSS. Pearson’s Chi-Square tests (p < 0.05) correlated demographic variables with HBV knowledge levels, focusing on clinical preparedness for high-risk environments in Eastern Sudan.
RESULTS:
Analysis revealed a profound knowledge-practice gap. Despite the documented geographical risk in Kassala, 48.1% of participants were unaware of the standard three-dose regimen required for seroconversion. A significant correlation was observed between academic seniority and knowledge of vaccine protection (p < 0.001), confirming that junior students enter clinical environments with critical levels of vulnerability. Furthermore, a disciplinary disparity was identified; medical students demonstrated significantly higher awareness of vaccine efficacy compared to nursing students (p < 0.001), exposing a major weakness in the nursing biosafety curriculum. Economic uncertainty remains a primary barrier, as 48.5% of students were unaware of the vaccine’s cost structure, and only 8% perceived it as a free service. Finally, only 24.7% of the cohort correctly identified the 6-month timeline for achieving full immunity.
CONCLUSIONS:
In regions like Kassala State, the observed knowledge-practice gap is a critical concern. The study underscores an urgent need for standardized, mandatory HBV vaccination and integrated biosafety education before students commence clinical rotations to protect Sudan’s future healthcare workforce.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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