Evaluating Jordanian nursing students’ knowledge and attitudes regarding hepatitis B: a descriptive study

Jordanian nursing students’ attitudes toward the elderly

The incidence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in dialysis populations has declined over recent decades, largely because of improvements in infection control and widespread implementation of HBV vaccination. Regardless, outbreaks of infection continue to occur in dialysis units, and prevalence rates remain unacceptably high. For a variety of reasons, dialysis patients are at increased risk of acquiring HBV. They also demonstrate different disease manifestations compared with healthy individuals and are more likely to progress to chronic carriage. This paper will review the epidemiology, modes of transmission and diagnosis of HBV in this population. Prevention and treatment will be discussed, with a specific focus on strategies to improve vaccination response, new therapeutic options and selection of patients for therapy.

Background: Liver cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The primary causes of liver cancer include hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), alcohol consumption, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and other factors. Aims: The objective of this study was to evaluate the global and sex-, age-, region-, country-, and etiology-related liver cancer burden, as well as the trends in liver cancer caused by different etiologies. Methods: The causes of liver cancer from 1990 to 2017, including global, regional, and national liver cancer incidence, mortality, and etiology, were collected from the Global Burden of Disease study 2017, and the time-dependent change in the trends of liver cancer burden was evaluated by annual percentage change. Results: The global liver cancer incidence and mortality have been increasing. There were 950,000 newly-diagnosed liver cancer cases and over 800,000 deaths in 2017, which is more than twice the numbers recorded in 1990. HBV and HCV are the major causes of liver cancer. HBV is the major risk factor of liver cancer in Asia, while HCV and alcohol abuse are the major risk factors in the high sociodemographic index and high human development index regions. The mean onset age and incidence of liver cancer with different etiologies have gradually increased in the past 30 years. Conclusions: The global incidence is still rising and the causes have national, regional, or population specificities. More targeted prevention strategies must be developed for the different etiologic types in order to reduce liver cancer burden.

This study aimed to assess and compare the global health competencies (GHCs) of nursing students in Jordan. GHCs are crucial to ensure the delivery of culturally sensitive care to diverse populations. A cross-sectional survey using the GHC questionnaire was administered to 256 nursing students. Students ranked their ability in health implications of migration, travel, and displacement as the highest domain and health care as a human right and development resources as the lowest. Assessing nursing students' GHCs is important as they pursue their responsibilities toward global health in the future.

Genetic variability of hepatitis B virus and response to antiviral treatments: Searching for a bigger picture

Hepatitis B virus (HBV), an infectious disease of global significance, causes a significant health burden particularly in Africa. Medical and paramedical undergraduates are at increased risk of HBV exposure due to their academic and clinical responsibilities. Attitudes, perceptions and willingness to receive vaccination are determinants of protection and disease transmission. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among medical and paramedical undergraduates using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Data collected included socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge and perception of HBV, attitudes toward vaccination, and willingness to receive HBV vaccine. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Level of statistical significance was set at p value <0.05. Of 277 consecutively recruited respondents, 18.8%, 24.5% and 13.7% were medical, medical laboratory science and nursing students respectively while 43.0% were pharmacy students. A total of 62.5% of the respondents strongly agreed that Hepatitis B poses a significant occupational hazard for medical and paramedical students, and 64.6% showed a positive attitude towards Hepatitis B and vaccination. More than three-quarters, 78.7% expressed their willingness to be vaccinated. Of these, 72.9% were very likely to recommend it to their peers. Positive attitude and willingness to be vaccinated was significantly associated with gender (p=0.001 & 0.030) and faculty of study (p=0.016 & < 0.001) respectively. The study demonstrated positive attitudes towards both Hepatitis B and vaccination among respondents. Willingness to vaccinate appears promising but hindered by logistic and financial constraints. Targeted health education, discounted vaccination programs, and curriculum integration are recommended to promote vaccine uptake among undergraduates in Nigerian universities.

Nursing students share their study time between clinical and university environments, and due to their clinical training, are at increased risk of contracting the hepatitis B virus (HBV). This study investigated the vaccination coverage, knowledge, attitudes, and practices of nursing students regarding HBV in Greece. A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2022 to July 2023, using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire, with informed consent obtained from each participant. A total of 1261 nursing students from University Institutions of the Attica region participated in the convenience sampling. The response rate of the nursing students was 68.6%. A total of 27.7% of the sample was fully vaccinated against HBV. The reasons for not accepting the vaccine were not found to be related to participants' level of knowledge or attitudes (p > 0.05). The knowledge score ranged from 0% to 96.9%, with a mean of 62.2% (SD = 17.0%). Multivariate linear regression showed that longer year of nursing education was associated with better practices and attitudes towards HBV (p < 0.05). The emergence of low vaccination coverage of nursing students against HBV identifies the need for departments of nursing studies to proceed in the development of educational and intervention programs on infection control. This study was not registered.

BackgroundThe education and training of health professions students in geriatric care is critical to their future clinical practice. However, the knowledge and attitude of health science students toward geriatric care are barely studied in Ethiopia.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude of graduating medical, pharmacy, and nursing (MPN) students towards geriatric care at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, North West Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 301 graduating MPN students using stratified random sampling from June 30, 2022, to July 30, 2022. The data was collected by using previously validated self-administered structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were done. A statistical significance was declared at a p-value < 0.05.ResultsThe majority of graduating MPN students had either neutral (70.76%) or positive (16.28%) attitudes towards older people; however, a greater amount (88%) of them had poor knowledge of geriatric care. The knowledge of female students was significantly less favorable than the knowledge of male students (p-value < 0.001). The knowledge and attitudes of pharmacy and nursing students were significantly lower than medical students (p-value < 0.001). The attitude mean rank score of students aged ≤25 years was significantly lower than students aged >25 years (p-value < 0.001).ConclusionThe majority of graduating MPN students had poor knowledge despite having either a neutral or positive attitude toward geriatric care. Female students had lower knowledge scores than male students. Similarly, pharmacy and nursing students had lower knowledge and attitude scores than medical students, and the attitude score of students aged ≤ 25 years was lower than students aged >25 years. Their respective departments should implement a strategy to improve the knowledge of MNP students.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has been proved to be an important risk factor of primary liver cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Loomba et al. indicates that family history of HCC multiplies the risk of HCC at each stage of HBV infection. The family history of HCC might not be related to the occurrence of CCA. However, the original study conducted by Kamalapirat et al. also assesses the risk factors for HCC development, not for CCA. Hence, the family history of HCC should be discussed in the enrolled population.

It is mentioned that students' opinions about xenotransplantation (XTx) have been explored in a limited manner. In particular, there is no literature in Turkey on Nursing and Theology students' perspectives on XTx. This research aimed to find out what Nursing and Theology students thought about XTx. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted on students studying at the Theology and Nursing faculties. The study population consisted of 2.581 students educated in these faculties. Without using any sampling method, it was aimed to reach all students, and 1.780 (70%) students were reached. Data were collected using a participant identification form and questionnaire form, which the researchers developed. The difference between the answers given by the Nursing and Theology students to the information statements about XTx was statistically significant (p < .001). Nursing and Theology students' attitudes to organ or tissue Tx from halal animals in case of necessity were positive (p < .001). While the nursing students' attitude toward organ or tissue Tx from non-helal animals in case of necessity was negative, Theology students had no idea (p < .001). In other attitude statements, while nursing students responded positively, Theology students responded as "I have no idea" (p ≤ .001). Theology students tended to have the question about XTx and only positive attitude towards XTx from halal animals. Nursing students mostly had positive attitude, but negative when XTx is practiced out of necessity.

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses a significant global public health challenge. It is associated with increased miscarriage rate and studies also has confirmed that the miscarriage rate is higher in women with HBV, with one study finding a 71% increase in miscarriage risk in HBV carriers compared to a control group. Another study found a significantly higher rate of miscarriage in pregnant HBV carriers (9.66%) compared to the control group (5.81%). The potential contributing factors are HBV infection of embryos. Studies have detected HBV mRNA fragments in embryos from mothers with HBV, suggesting that direct infection of the embryo could be a cause of miscarriage and congenital malformations. HBV infection is associated with an increased risk of other complications that can contribute to miscarriage, such as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and preeclampsia. Aims and objectives: To determine miscarriage rate m pregnant patients with confirmed HBV infection. Materials &amp; Methods: It was a prospective study conducted at Medical Gastroenterology in collaboration with Obstetrics &amp; Gynecology, PGIMS, Rohtak over a period of eight years and eleven months from 1.1.2017 to 30.11.2025. Three hundred (300) pregnant patients who were confirmed to be positive for Hepatitis B antigen (HbsAg) test on Enzyme linked Immunoassay test (ELISA) and HBV DNA quantitative on PCR testing and anti HCV antibody &amp; anti-HIV antibody negative were enrolled in the study and followed. These three hundred patients were followed throughout pregnancy, delivery, post-partum period. The data of these 300 HBV confirmed pregnant patients was analysed in final analysis. Results: Out of these 300 HBV patients, 104 patients (34.66%) had miscarriage. In these 104 patients with miscarriage, majority belonged to 21-30 yrs age group (74%). Majority of miscarriages were seen in first trimester of pregnancy (63.46%) and out of it also, maximum was seen in second month of pregnancy. Majority (58%) had single miscarriage followed by twice miscarriage and multiple ones were least common. Majority patients (80%) were non-cirrhotic with normal fibroscan score i.e. below 7 Kpa, followed by patients in F1 - F3 group but none was cirrhotic. One characteristic finding in our pool was that majority of patients (80.76%) were inactive carrier with low HBV viral load i.e. &gt; 102-3 I.U./ml, Conclusion: Our study is an eye opener as it not only re-confirms the findings already available in literature regarding more prevalence of miscarriages in HBV females in comparison to normal population but also hints at more gravity of problem, then what is being thought and understood. Moreover, in comparison to HCV, HBV related miscarriages occur even at low viral load also. Keywords: HbsAg, HBV DNA Quantitative, Miscarriage. Pre-term delivery, Breast feeding, anti-viral treatment

Surveillance for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients With Cirrhosis

Hepatitis B is a potentially fatal liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is a serious issue for global health. It considerably raises the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer-related death and can result in chronic infection. The risk of infection is high among health sciences students due to the risk of occupational contact with fluids of infected patients and the risk of needle stick injury. The most effective way of preventing HBV infection is the vaccination of students prior to their posting to healthcare settings. There is no data available about HBV vaccination uptake among Health Sciences students in Somalia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine HBV vaccination uptake and associated factors toward HBV among health science students in Somalia. A cross-sectional study was undertaken among health sciences students from August to October 2022. Data were gathered using Kobo Toolbox using a standardized questionnaire with questions on characteristics, knowledge attitude, and HBV prevention practices. A total of 569 students were involved in the study. Stata version 15 was utilized for the analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, as well as descriptive statistics, were performed. In order to assess the existence and significance of the relationship between the outcome and risk factors, an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used. Statistical significance was considered as a p-value ≤0.05. Of the 569 study participants, 33.4% (95%CI: 29.6-37.4) received a full dose of the HBV vaccine in this study. Participants had good HBV prevention knowledge, attitudes, and practices at 69.6, 37.96, and 50.6%, respectively. The lack of access and the high cost of the vaccine were the reasons for not taking the vaccine. Second-year [AOR: 0.22 (0.12-0.43)]. Positive attitude [AOR: 0.54 (0.31-0.93)], and good practice [AOR: 6.99 (3.62-13.5)]. The study indicated that 33.4% of health sciences students had received the required HBV vaccination doses, academic year, attitude, and practice were significantly associated with full-dose vaccination status. The unavailability of the vaccine and the high cost of vaccination were the most common reasons for not taking the vaccine. It is recommended that students receive vaccinations before beginning clinical rotations, and give instruction on infection prevention strategies and general precautions, particularly regarding HBV infection.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global public health problem with about 257 million chronically infected people and over 887000 deaths annually. In this study, 32 whole HBV genomes of various genotypes were amplified from clinical isolates to create transfection clones. The clones were sequenced, and their biological properties characterized by transfecting linear HBV clones into HepG2 cells. We analysed the SPI and SPII promotor regions, X-gene, BCP/PC sequences, core, preS/S and HBV polymerase sequences. HBV clones analysed in this study revealed differential replication kinetics of viral nucleic acids and expression of proteins. Sequence analysis of HBV clones revealed mutations in preS1, preS2 and S genes; deletion and insertion and point mutations in BCP/PC region; including novel and previously reported mutations. Among the patient samples tested, HBV genotype B clones were more likely to have higher frequencies of mutations, while sub-genotype A1 and A2 clones tended to have fewer mutations. No polymerase drug resistant mutations were seen. HBeAg mutations were primarily in the BCP/PC region in genotype B, but core truncations were found in genotype E. S gene mutations affecting HBsAg expression and detection were seen in all genotypes except A2. Using an HBV clone with repetitive terminal sequences and a SapI restriction site allowed us to analyse HBV analyte production in cell culture and characterize the genetics of viral phenotypes using complete HBV genomes isolated from serum/plasma samples of infected patients.

Introduction: Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections represent significant public health challenges in sub-Saharan Africa, including Burkina Faso. HAV is the most symptomatic viral hepatitis, while HBV is the most endemic and can lead to severe complications such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HAV is an RNA virus belonging to the Picornaviridae family, whereas HBV is a DNA virus of the Hepadnaviridae family. Despite the health burden of HAV, limited data are available on its prevalence in Burkina Faso. Although more information exists on HBV, the introduction of the HBV vaccine into the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) and ongoing awareness campaigns necessitate regular updates on its epidemiological status. This study aimed to conduct serological and molecular PCR-based diagnosis of HAV and HBV among blood donors at the Regional Blood Transfusion Center (CRTS) in Koudougou, Burkina Faso. Methodology and Materials: A prospective, descriptive study was conducted, involving 200 blood samples collected at the CRTS in Koudougou. Samples were transported and stored at CERBA for analysis. Serological screening for HAV IgM and IgG antibodies was performed using the HAV Flowflex™ TMTDRs assay. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was detected using the Hepanostika HBsAg Ultra kit (Biomérieux, Boxtel, Netherlands). Molecular diagnostics were conducted using the DNA/RNA Prep kit (Sacace, Ref. K-2-9 Biotechnologies) and the HBV Real-TM Sacace™ kit (Sacace Biotechnologies, Como, Italy), following the manufacturers’ protocols. Results: The study population was predominantly male (90.5%), with 44% being pupils or students. The seroprevalence of HAV IgM and IgG antibodies was 13.5% and 8.5%, respectively, yielding an overall HAV seroprevalence of 22%. The seroprevalence of HBV, as indicated by HBsAg detection, was 2.5%. Molecular analysis of HAV showed no amplification, while the HBV molecular test revealed a prevalence of 4%. Conclusion: With an overall HAV seroprevalence (IgM + IgG) of 22%, Burkina Faso can be classified as a country with intermediate endemicity for HAV. This underscores the need for accelerated implementation of a vaccination program to mitigate HAV transmission. For HBV, Burkina Faso remains a high-endemicity zone, although our findings indicate a decline in prevalence, likely attributable to vaccination and public health interventions.