ANALYSIS OF THE AWARENESS OF MEDICAL STUDENTS ABOUT THE WAYS OF TRANSMISSION AND PREVENTION OF VIRAL HEPATITIS B AND C

Full Text

Relevance

The problem of parenteral viral hepatitis is relevant at the present time. According to WHO, 325 million people are living with viral hepatitis B or C. In May 2016, the World Health Assembly adopted the first Global Health Sector Strategy on Viral Hepatitis 2016–2021 [1]. It emphasized the crucial role of timely diagnosis and provision of qualified medical care to patients with viral hepatitis, and formulated plans to combat this disease throughout the world. Today, the program is focused on the period up to 2030. The goal of the developed strategy was the elimination of viral hepatitis, and the global goal is to reduce by 2030 the number of new infections by 90% and mortality from viral hepatitis by 65%. Building on the achievements and lessons learned from the global health sector strategies 2016–2021, the strategies 2022–2030 taking into account the epidemiological, technological and contextual shifts of recent years, they contribute to the accumulation of experience in individual diseases and create opportunities for the use of innovations and new knowledge for an effective response to HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections [2].

Objective. To analyze the awareness of medical students about risk factors, prevention and transmission routes of parenteral viral hepatitis.

Materials and Methods: On the eve of the International Hepatitis Day, it was decided to conduct a social study using a questionnaire method. The survey involved 108 students of the Voronezh State Medical University. N.N. Burdenko of the Ministry of Health of Russia 1–6 courses. A questionnaire was developed, which consisted of 20 questions. For the convenience of analyzing the data obtained, it was decided to divide the questionnaire into three sections: 1) questions reflecting: information about the respondent (gender, course of study, work, etc.); 2) awareness of the ways of transmission of viral hepatitis B, C; preventive measures; 3) awareness of students in the issues of vaccination. The survey was conducted on the basis of voluntary informed consent of students in compliance with ethical standards. Statistical processing was carried out using the computer program Microsoft Excel.

Results.

One of the sections of the research work is the practical part. The level of health of future medical workers is formed already in their student years. Therefore, it was decided to conduct an epidemiological social study using a questionnaire method. According to the survey, the ratio of respondents by sex was characterized by the predominance of women 66% over men - 34%. The average age of students is 20.63±0.19 years. 10% of respondents combine work and study. To the question "Who is the source of VG?" the following answers were received: 97.2% of respondents know who is the source of VH, however, 10-25% of all students surveyed do not exclude the possibility of infection with parenteral VH from animals or through surrounding objects. The proposed questionnaire naturally followed the question of the ways of transmission of viral hepatitis, revealed an average level of awareness of the respondents (78%). In the first place is parenteral infection (96%), in second place is the use of previously used razors, scissors, as well as non-sterile instruments for cosmetic manipulations (81%); in third place - "sexual way" of transmission (78%), in fourth place - "from an infected mother to a child" (71%). Almost all students (90%) of the respondents are aware of measures to prevent parenteral viral hepatitis. Also, 80% of respondents answered positively to the question about the existence of vaccination against viral hepatitis B. Completed course of vaccination against viral hepatitis B in 17% of respondents. At the same time, in the aggregate, 80% of students do not know, or think that their vaccination course has not been completed. A quarter of interviewees are ready to be vaccinated against HBV annually. 30 people are confident in the existence of a vaccine against hepatitis C. We asked the respondents: “How long ago were they examined for parenteral viral hepatitis?” The results were as follows: 35% of students were examined more than 6 months ago. The following questions dealt with the problem of bad habits. 82 students deny having bad habits, but 20.4% of the respondents smoke, 2.7% drink alcohol. It should also be noted that 1 person answered positively to the question about the use of PAS. The last question of the questionnaire concerned the source of the acquired knowledge. The question was with multiple choice, so it is encouraging that along with the knowledge gained on the Internet and the media, students (70.4% of respondents) acquired the necessary information in lectures and practical classes, including at the Department of Epidemiology.

Discussion

Due to the specifics of their professional activities, employees of medical institutions are exposed to various adverse factors of the working environment, which are mainly of a biological nature. The occupational risk group for infection with viral hepatitis B and C includes medical workers who have a so-called large parenteral load and direct contact with the biological fluids of patients. The relevance of the chosen topic is emphasized by the data on the identification of markers of parenteral viral hepatitis among medical workers. Numerous studies provide data on the infection of medical personnel with viral hepatitis B and C from 0.2 to 3.5% [3, 4, 5, 6]. Medical students have the opportunity to work in medical organizations, and thus are at risk of contracting blood-borne infections in the event of an emergency. So in our study, 10% of respondents combine work and study, thereby exposing themselves to the daily risk of emergency situations. The students showed low knowledge in the issues of viral hepatitis B vaccination. One third of the respondents do not have sufficient knowledge in the prevention of viral hepatitis C. Our survey was completely anonymous, so the question of bad habits causes some concern. The use of surfactants negatively affects the human body, and also leads to intellectual and mnestic disorders. The questionnaire method is applicable for correcting the knowledge gained during training. The validity of these surveys, as well as their significance in the educational policy of the university, is of great importance. The results obtained in the course of the study are necessary for more rational actions in the educational processes of the university and the improvement of educational programs and learning technologies.

Findings.

The formation of a doctor as a specialist begins in his student years. An analysis of the respondents' answers showed that the problem posed is significant and relevant in our time. Medical students showed interest in the topic under study. 69% of respondents would like to receive more information about viral hepatitis B and C. A high level of basic knowledge on the prevention of viral hepatitis has been obtained. However, some students need to continue working on the formation of knowledge about risk groups, prevention and the need for vaccination.

About the authors

Alina Evgenievna Taranenko

Author for correspondence.
Email: taranenko421@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-1176-5888
Russian Federation, Student st., 10, Voronezh, Voronezh region, 394036

References