AWARENESS OF HEPATITIS B INFECTION AND VACCINATION AMONG STUDENTS OF APPLIED MEDICAL SCIENCES COLLEGE

*Mario T. Taller Jr., Maghram M. Al-Amri, Mohammed S. Alsaggaf, Bader S. Alotaibi Mamdouh H. Abdel-Ghaffar

ABSTRACT

Objective: This study aims to investigate the level of awareness of applied medical sciences college students, bridging program who working in government or private medical sector. This determine as significantly know about HBV; their understanding about the source of transmission, treatment, vaccination and cognizance of who should have vaccinated. Materials and Methods: The cross sectional descriptive study was conducted on March 2016; the target of the study is the bridging class nursing students of College of Applied Medical Sciences- Al Quwayiyah, Shaqra University. Results: Out of 49 respondents, 79.59% were screened and turn out to be negative and 69.23% completed the Hepatitis B vaccination. Data revealed most of them had good knowledge and understanding about the disease. Conclusion: Healthcare providers have a higher risk of occupational exposure to Hepatitis B virus infection therefore information dissemination and education is very vital in order for them to combat the disease. Proper screening, testing and complete vaccination should be provided upon entry into the college.

Keywords: Awareness, HBV, Vaccination, Shaqra University, Saudi Arabia.