Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice of students in Kermanshah Universities regarding Hepatitis B: A bio-behavioral approach to promoting public health
Journal of Behdasht dar Arseh (i.e., Health in the Field),
Vol. 13 No. 3 (1404),
10 June 2026
,
Page 49-57
https://doi.org/10.22037/jhf.v13i3.51090
Abstract
Background and Aims: Hepatitis B is one of the most important transmissible viral diseases, which continues to be a serious threat to public health in Iran. Existing gaps in the level of knowledge and attitudes among young groups, especially students, can play a role in the persistence of the disease transmission cycle. The aim of this study was to determine the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of students in Kermanshah Province regarding Hepatitis B and to investigate the related demographic and educational factors within the framework of a biosafety approach.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 505 university students from various academic disciplines and educational levels at universities in Kermanshah Province. Ethical principles, including informed consent, data confidentiality, and compliance with the Declaration of Helsinki, were strictly observed. Data were collected using a standardized Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software version 18, applying independent t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi-square tests, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multivariate logistic regression analyses. A P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
This cross-sectional study was conducted on 505 students from various fields and academic levels at Kermanshah universities, ensuring informed consent, data confidentiality, and compliance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Data were collected using a standardized Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 18) and included independent t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi-square tests, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multivariate logistic regression. The significance level was set at P<0.05.
Results: The mean scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice were significantly higher among students in biological science fields compared to those in non-biological fields (P<0.001). Gender, field of study, and academic level were identified as independent predictors (P<0.014). Furthermore, a strong positive correlation was observed between knowledge scores and attitude–practice scores (r=0.65).
Conclusion: The findings indicate a significant heterogeneity in the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding Hepatitis B among students. Designing targeted educational interventions based on biosafety principles and tailored to students’ demographic characteristics and fields of study can play an effective role in promoting health literacy and preventing Hepatitis B.
- Knowledge
- Attitudes
- Practice
- Biosafety
- University Students
- Hepatitis B
How to Cite
References
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