Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards hepatitis b prevention among Kisenyi community, Kampala, Uganda

Abstract

Hepatitis B is a global health problem and the tenth leading cause of death worldwide. Hepatitis B can cause liver damage, liver cirrhosis, and Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Despite the increase of hepatitis B prevalence worldwide particularly in Uganda, there is inadequate awareness towards the prevention of hepatitis B in Uganda. The study was set to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards hepatitis B prevention among the Kisenyi community in Kampala, Uganda. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional which adopted both quantitative and qualitative approaches of research. The study was conducted in Kisenyi slum of Kampala in Capital City Authority of Uganda. The data was collected using researcher administered questionnaires to 392 randomly selected residents and qualitative data was collected using a focused group guide and Key informant interviews were held. The respondents were selected using simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques. The data was analyzed first at a descriptive level and thereafter inferential level in SPSS Version 20.0.In undertaking the study 385 residents were surveyed and the response rate was 98.2%, and the results showed that the majority which constituted 74% had ever heard about hepatitis B but over51.9% of them did not know its causes. The results also showed a negative attitude (57.1%) towards hepatitis but also poor prevention practices constituted (55.3%)while44.7% demonstrated good prevention practices in as far as hepatitis B is concerned. Results also showed attending health education program(AOR = 2.31; 95%CI= 1.17-4.57; p= 0.016) and negative reaction of the residents (AOR= 2.24; 95%CI= 1.40-3.58; p= 0.001) if they were to be found positive as only significantly influencing good prevention practices among residents of Kisenyi Community. The study was sought to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices towards hepatitis B prevention among the Kisenyi community of Kampala district in Uganda. Although most of Kisenyi community had ever heard about hepatitis B, the study deduced that majority of them were not knowledgeable about the causes, modes of transmission, signs and symptoms and effects of hepatitis B. Even though majority of Kisenyi residents perceived hepatitis B vaccine as a good to prevent the infection, there was a very strong stigmatization against the persons who were already infected with hepatitis B. The study recommends continuous and sufficient health education programs to create awareness regarding hepatitis B in the community for attitude change. It is also recommended that free vaccination and testing programs be accorded to help the community with limited affordability to know their status and prevent the infection.