Measurement of KAP concerning hepatitis B among secondary school students in Alexandria

Hepatitis B infection is a serious health problem throughout the world. Success in the prevention of this disease with its fatal consequences depends to a large extent on the adolescents' level of knowledge and their awareness about it. As well as their attitude and different risk behavior they might practice at this age. The aim of the present study was to assess the secondary school students' level of knowledge about hepatitis B and to record their perceptions, attitudes and practices towards it. Also to identify their health locus of control towards the disease. The studied sample included 643 students of both sexes representing different senior levels in one educational sector in Alexandria. The used technique was self-administered questionnaire. Results revealed that (55.2%) of the studied sample had fair level of knowledge about hepatitis B Girls had more negative attitude towards the disease than boys. About one half of the students (50.4%) were not vaccinated against the disease. Also, the majority of students had internal health locus of control regarding hepatitis B. It is recommended to integrate knowledge about hepatitis B within formal and informal school programs. Community campaigns for vaccinating the adolescents against the disease should be carried out.