Attitude and practice regarding Hepatitis B vaccination among medical students in a teaching medical institution in Puducherry

The incidence of liver diseases associated with hepatitis B virus remains a global public health problem. Medical personnel are the first contact between such patients and health care and medical students are indeed at risk of the same. Present cross-sectional study was undertaken among second year medical undergraduates of MGMC and RI, Puducherry during August 2012, to assess the attitude and practices of medical students towards hepatitis B vaccination (HBV) and find out the vaccination coverage among them. After brief introduction about rationale of the study a pre-tested, self-administered, anonymous questionnaires was distributed. Information regarding background characteristics of participants, Hep-B vaccination coverage and reasons for poor acceptance/compliance were collected. The questionnaires were distributed on a single day in order to avoid sharing of information. Data was analyzed using statistical software using SPSSversion 16.0. Out of total 150 questionnaires circulated, 120 (response rate 80%) were returned (Male 53.3%, Female 46.7%). Among them 21 (17.5%) students had already received three doses of Hep-B vaccination. 22 (18.3%) students didn't receive any dose. Reasons for poor coverage and/or non-compliance of Hep-B vaccination among medical students include forgot to complete the course (43.4%), not a mandatory process in the institution (26.3%), not compulsory for every individual (18.2%), fear of injections (4%) and expensive (5.1%). Coverage of Hep-B vaccination was poor among medical undergraduates in the present study. Concerted efforts should be made to motivate medical students and their family members towards Hep-B vaccination with support from medical college and medical council of India. The admission day can be utilized as an avenue for this initiative.