Students’ Knowledge and Attitude about Hepatitis B and C Viruses in Baghdad University

Abstract Introduction: Hepatitis B and C is a serious global public health problem that causes chronic liver disease and accelerates high risk of death from cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer. Objectives: To determine the knowledge and attitude of nonmedical students at Baghdad University toward HBV and HCV infections and to find out the relationship between demographic characteristics. Materials and Methods: The study was undertaken among nonmedical students of five colleges of Baghdad University colleges. A descriptive design study was undertaken. In total, 250 undergraduate students were approached for the study to assess the level of knowledge and attitude toward HBV and HCV among students. Results: The findings of the present study demonstrate that more than half (51.2%) had inadequate knowledge, whereas the rest (48.8%) had sufficient knowledge. Regarding students' attitudes, the findings indicated that students had positive attitudes toward HBV and HCV based on the overall total mean score of 2.37. Conclusion: This study indicates that students had positive attitudes and a lack of knowledge about HBV and HCV.