Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) among Clerkship Medical Students at Nabta College, Sudan, 2026
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) among Clerkship Medical Students at Nabta College, Sudan, 2026
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Date
2026
Authors
Ahmed Khalid Mohamed Ali
Abdullah Abdelgader Mousa
Yousif Hassan Murkaz
Ahmed Mohamed Al amin
Ibrahim Hassan Ibrahim
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Napata College
Abstract
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection poses a significant occupational risk to medical
students, especially during clinical clerkships. In conflict-affected settings like Sudan,
disruptions to healthcare and education may exacerbate this vulnerability.
Objective
To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding HBV among clerkship
medical students at Nabta College, Sudan, in 2024.
Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 188 clerkship medical students
(Levels 4 and 5) at Nabta College, including affiliated centers in Shendi (Sudan), Cairo
(Egypt), and Jeddah (Saudi Arabia). Data were collected using a structured, self
administered online questionnaire covering sociodemographics, knowledge of transmission,
attitudes towards vaccination and infected patients, and preventive practices. Data were
analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests.
Results
Of 188 participants (56.4% male, mean age 24.1±3.9 years), 66.0% demonstrated good
knowledge of HBV. However, only 7.4% were fully vaccinated (three doses), while 61.2%
had received no doses. Needle-stick injury was reported by 27.1% of students, and
consistent glove use was only 39.4%. Positive attitudes were observed, with 92.6% agreeing
that HBV vaccination should be mandatory and 94.7% supporting needle-stick injury
reporting. Knowledge level was significantly associated with academic level (p=0.048),
attendance at infection control training (p=0.002), and vaccination status (p=0.015).
Conflict affected 89.9% of participants.
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IV
Conclusion
Despite good knowledge and positive attitudes, there is a critical gap in HBV preventive
practices among clerkship medical students, characterized by extremely low full vaccination
rates and suboptimal adherence to standard precautions. The high rate of needle-stick
injuries combined with low immunity poses a serious occupational threat. Mandatory
vaccination policies, enhanced infection control training, and conflict-resilient health
education strategies are urgently needed.
Keywords: Hepatitis B Virus, Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, Medical Students,
Clerkship, Vaccination, Sudan, Conflict, Needle-stick injury.
Description
Napata College