Knowledge, Attitude and Behavior Levels of University Students About Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C

Aim: The aim of this study is to reveal the knowledge, attitude and behaviors of the university students about Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. Methods: This study was done among 1048 students from different faculties of five different universities in Ankara, was carried out between October 2012 and July 2013. A questionnaire was prepared by the authors by rewieving the literature and the participants were asked to fill this questionnaire. Knowledge level of participants was scored from 1 to 5 out of 100 according to the answers given about Hepatitis A, B and C. Results: When the average points of knowledge about hepatitis A, B and C is considered, it is seen that the knowledge points of males according to females and the knowledge points of the students who study in medical faculties according to the other faculties are higher. Participants were found to have a risky attitude with respect to the spread of Hepatitis A, B and C infections. While males had more risky behaviors, it was seen that there was no significant difference between the students of medical faculties according to other faculties. Conclusion: Despite advances in technology and health, Hepatitis A, B and C infections continue to be an important public health problem today. This study showed that even university students, whose education and intellectual levels are considered to be high according to society, have low level of knowledge about viral hepatitis and exhibit risky attitudes and behaviors, necessity of individual and social education. The most effective way to protect against these diseases is to increase the knowledge and awareness levels of the society and prevent the transmission of these diseases. Keywords: hepatitis, knowledge, attitude, behavior, vaccines