Knowledge, perceptions and attitudes of nursing trainees regarding malaria and hepatitis B

Abstract

The focus of this descriptive, qualitative study was to find the knowledge attitudes and perception of nursing trainees about hepatitis and malaria. The sample consisted of 200 health training students in four health training institutions, namely College of Health Yamfo, Nursing and Midwifery Training College Goaso, Health Assistant, Nursing and Midwifery Training College Sunyani and Nursing Training College- Drobo in the Brong Ahafo Region. The main objectives of the study were: to verify the Knowledge, Perceptions and Attitudes regarding Malaria and Hepatitis B among trainees in selected health training institutions, Assess the sources providing knowledge on Malaria and Hepatitis b prevention and vaccination to trainees, Identify strategies to enhance education of malaria and hepatitis B among trainees and Identify trainees’ perceived barriers to the accessibility of malaria prevention tools and Hepatitis B vaccine. The tool of study was structured questionnaire specially designed for this study. Data were computerized using Microsoft Excel and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science. This study was able to highlight three thematic areas and the need for prompt action to be taken. First and foremost, even though most trainees have a fair idea about HBV and malaria, the study deduced that majority of them were not knowledgeable about the causes, modes of transmission and effects or complications of HBV and malaria. Secondly, although most of the trainees indicated HBV as a big health problem in the country, the issue of stigmatization against already infected persons was very strong among trainees in both first and second years. Thirdly, vaccination which is paramount for HBV prevention was very low which they most trainees attributed it to lack of adequate information.