Hepatitis B Awareness, Education, and Exposure Risk Among Academic Researchers

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a complex disease that poses a significant global health concern and economic burden. In academic research, many researchers and student researchers lack awareness and education about hepatitis B. Many are unaware of their hepatitis B vaccination status, as well as their risk of blood-borne pathogen occupational exposure while performing academic research. Objectives: The project aims to determine the researcher’s awareness, knowledge, and understanding of hepatitis B (HBV). Methods: The method utilized will be a survey questionnaire based on the Hepatitis B Assessment Questionnaire to assess understanding of pre- and post-hepatitis B education sessions. The responses to the survey questionnaire will be measured using a five-point Likert scale. The pre-education survey questionnaire results will show the impact of the intervention (HBV education) increasing awareness of hepatitis B knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP). The post-education survey questionnaire responses should demonstrate the researchers increased knowledge and awareness of HBV. Results: Descriptive statistics were used to describe the sample (n=38) and outcome variables, such as awareness and education pre- and post-the educational PowerPoint intervention. The average score for the outcome variables, Awareness and Education, increased after the intervention from 89.05 to 92.86. Conclusion: The educational intervention had a significant and positive impact on the awareness, education, and understanding of hepatitis B exposure risks among university researchers. This is a promising step towards a safer and more informed research environment.