Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Vaccination Status Among Nursing Staff at Shaafi Hospital, Mogadishu, Somalia

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection continues to be a significant global health issue, greatly impacting both the illness and death rates. Healthcare professionals, especially nurses, are at a heightened risk of contracting HBV due to their regular contact with blood and bodily fluids. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding HBV play a crucial role in shaping preventive actions; however, there is a scarcity of research on KAP levels among nurses in Somalia. Objectives: This study sought to evaluate the KAP and vaccination status of nursing staff for HBV infection at Shaafi Hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 89 nurses was conducted at the Shaafi Hospital from February to March 2025. Data were collected through a pretested structured questionnaire that evaluated the KAP and vaccination status. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize the data, and chi-square tests were used to examine the relationships between KAP levels and sociodemographic factors, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: Among the 89 participants, 66.3% had sufficient knowledge of HBV, 74.2% exhibited a positive attitude towards prevention, and 68.5% engaged in safe practices. However, the vaccination rate was inadequate, with only 69.7% of patients having received the complete three-dose HBV vaccination series. Chi-square analysis revealed no significant links between sociodemographic factors and levels of knowledge or practice (p > 0.05); however, there was a significant connection between department/unit and attitude (p = 0.031). Conclusion: Although the levels of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) are generally positive, significant gaps persist in both vaccination rates and the observance of preventive measures. To effectively reduce the risk of HBV infection, it is crucial to enhance training programs, make vaccination more accessible, and implement strict infection control policies. Keywords: Hepatitis B virus, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Vaccination, Nursing staff, Somalia