Viral Hepatitis Literacy Among North Indian Students: Knowledge Levels, Health Attitudes, and Preventive Practices

Background: Hepatitis continues to remain a challenge in India as an estimated 40 million and 6 million people are suffering from chronic hepatitis B and C respectively. Tertiary students are particularly vulnerable given their involvement in high risk activities coupled with a lack of health knowledge. However, there are few studies conducted on the awareness about hepatitis among university students in Northern India especially concerning the rural- urban divides in knowledge and preventive measures. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 1500 students aged 18-25 years from six states of Northern India using stratified random sampling. The students filled out a structured questionnaire which covered the demographic information of the participants, knowledge about the hepatitis (its types, mode of transmission, prevention), attitudes (stigma, perception of risks), and health behaviors (use of condom, STI screening). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi square tests as well as logistic regression. The study revealed that only 48% of participants demonstrated adequate hepatitis knowledge, with particularly low awareness of hepatitis C (35%). Urban students scored significantly higher than rural counterparts across all knowledge domains, with the largest disparity in prevention knowledge (7.3-point difference). Students primarily relied on informal information sources, with 43% citing peers and 37% using social media, while only 28% reported healthcare providers as information sources. Behavioral findings showed that while 68.4% reported ever using condoms, only 24.1% practiced consistent use. STI testing rates were alarmingly low at 6%. Gender differences emerged in stigma perceptions, with female students reporting significantly higher levels than males. Conclusion: The findings highlight critical gaps in hepatitis literacy and preventive practices among North Indian students, particularly in rural areas. The study underscores the need for targeted educational interventions, improved access to reliable health information, and stigma reduction programs to enhance hepatitis prevention efforts in this population.