HBV Literacy and Clinical Readiness: Investigating the Knowledge-Practice Gap in the Next Generation of Healthcare Providers
1
KURA Research Center, Kassala, Sudan
2
University of Kassala, Kassala, Sudan
3
Al Yarmook University, Khartoum, Sudan
4
Ibn Sina University, Khartoum, Sudan
5
University of Gazera, Madani, Sudan
6
Harvard University, Boston, United States
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is a primary occupational threat for healthcare trainees frequently exposed to bloodborne pathogens. Despite accessible vaccination and post-exposure protocols, knowledge deficits regarding transmission and safety can elevate infection risks. This study evaluated and compared knowledge levels concerning HBV transmission, complications, and management among medical and nursing students at the University of Kassala.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 239 students (158 medical; 81 nursing) using a structured, pretested questionnaire. Key variables included HBV pathophysiology, asymptomatic transmission, complications (cirrhosis/cancer), and needlestick injury (NSI) protocols. Data were analyzed via SPSS, utilizing Pearson Chi-square tests to determine associations between demographics and knowledge. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
RESULTS:
While 93.7% of participants recognized HBV as a viral liver disease, medical students showed significantly higher awareness than nursing students (p = 0.002). Critical gaps were found in asymptomatic transmission awareness, which varied by age (p < 0.001), gender (p = 0.046), and academic year (p = 0.025). Significant disparities existed between programs regarding prevention; medical students were more aware that vaccination prevents transmission (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the protocol for NSI—contacting the infection control department—was significantly better understood by certain disciplines (p = 0.003), as was the risk of cirrhosis (p = 0.018).
CONCLUSIONS:
Although general HBV awareness is high, significant gaps persist in understanding asymptomatic transmission and specific occupational safety protocols. The disparities between medical and nursing cohorts underscore the urgent need for a standardized, interdisciplinary infection control curriculum. Strengthening practical safety training and vaccination literacy is essential to safeguard future healthcare professionals against preventable occupational hazards.
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is a primary occupational threat for healthcare trainees frequently exposed to bloodborne pathogens. Despite accessible vaccination and post-exposure protocols, knowledge deficits regarding transmission and safety can elevate infection risks. This study evaluated and compared knowledge levels concerning HBV transmission, complications, and management among medical and nursing students at the University of Kassala.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 239 students (158 medical; 81 nursing) using a structured, pretested questionnaire. Key variables included HBV pathophysiology, asymptomatic transmission, complications (cirrhosis/cancer), and needlestick injury (NSI) protocols. Data were analyzed via SPSS, utilizing Pearson Chi-square tests to determine associations between demographics and knowledge. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
RESULTS:
While 93.7% of participants recognized HBV as a viral liver disease, medical students showed significantly higher awareness than nursing students (p = 0.002). Critical gaps were found in asymptomatic transmission awareness, which varied by age (p < 0.001), gender (p = 0.046), and academic year (p = 0.025). Significant disparities existed between programs regarding prevention; medical students were more aware that vaccination prevents transmission (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the protocol for NSI—contacting the infection control department—was significantly better understood by certain disciplines (p = 0.003), as was the risk of cirrhosis (p = 0.018).
CONCLUSIONS:
Although general HBV awareness is high, significant gaps persist in understanding asymptomatic transmission and specific occupational safety protocols. The disparities between medical and nursing cohorts underscore the urgent need for a standardized, interdisciplinary infection control curriculum. Strengthening practical safety training and vaccination literacy is essential to safeguard future healthcare professionals against preventable occupational hazards.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
We process personal data collected when visiting the website. The function of obtaining information about users and their behavior is carried out by voluntarily entered information in forms and saving cookies in end devices. Data, including cookies, are used to provide services, improve the user experience and to analyze the traffic in accordance with the Privacy policy. Data are also collected and processed by Google Analytics tool (more).
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
