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Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objective The main objective of the study is to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of adolescents regarding viral hepatitis B and C. Background Viral hepatitis is a silent epidemic, as it is a leading infectious cause of death, and affects the lives of 12 000-15 000 Americans each year. Adolescents are thought to be at risk because of their high-risk behaviors. They must improve their awareness about these infections to protect themselves. Participants and methods This is a cross-sectional study based on the multistage stratified random-sampling technique. Ashmoun district was selected randomly from nine districts of Menoufia governorate; one rural school (Shanshour school) and one urban school (Amin El Kholy school) were selected from Ashmoun district, and 640 students aged between 16 and 18 years were selected randomly from students attending both schools. Students were asked to fill a predesigned questionnaire regarding their KAP towards hepatitis A, B, C, and D infection including their KAP for prevention and control. Results The mean age of the participants was 17.25 ± 0.84 years (mean±SD). A total of 180 participants were male (30%) and 420 (70%) were female. The mean of the total score of students«SQ» KAP with regard to viral hepatitis were 58.11 ± 9.3, 13.07 ± 2.86, and 7.99 ± 2.84, respectively. Although 78 and 75% of the students had fair knowledge and attitude, respectively regarding viral hepatitis, only 31% had fair practice for self-protection. The sex, the socioeconomic status, and the source of knowledge constituted significant determinants of their knowledge. Conclusion There was no relation between students«SQ» knowledge and attitude regarding viral hepatitis and their practice for self-protection against it.

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