Willingness of Medical Students for Hepatitis B & C Screening

Abstract

Background: Health care workers including medical students are vulnerable to hepatitis B C virus infections. The objective of this study was to determine the level of willingness for screening among medical students. Methodology: This cross-sectional survey was carried out at Gomal Medical College, Dera Ismail Khan from 1st April 2010 to 15 June 2010. All enrolled students were notified to report for screening for Hepatitis B C. Those who reported were tested for hepatitis B C. The screening was performed by immuno-chromatographic technique (ICT). The data was analysed in SPSS version 13.0. Willingness score between male and female students and pre-clinical and clinical students was compared by chi square test and p-values calculated. Results: There were 330 students in Medical College at the time of study, with 222 males and 108 females. Among these 168 students were in the preclinical and 162 in the clinical classes. Out of these, 171(52%) reported for screening; 106(62%) males and 65(38%) females; 103(60.2%) preclinical and 68(39.8%) clinical students. Only one male student (0.6%) was found to be HbsAg positive and none for anti-HCV. A significant difference was noted on comparing the willingness level regarding screening between male and female, as well as preclinical and clinical students (p<0.05). Conclusion: There is a lack of willingness regarding screening for hepatitis B C among medical students, especially male students of clinical years. Medical students need motivation for screening at the start of their professional training.