Knowledge, Attitude and Practices towards Hepatitis B Infection and Vaccination among Public Health Students in Ghana

Background: Hepatitis-B (Hep-B) infection is a global public health problem of great concern which affects more than 5% of the local population in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study assessed students’ knowledge, attitude and practices towards Hepatitis B infection and vaccination at the University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ghana. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative descriptive survey was conducted among 262 Public Health students of the University of Health and Allied Science of the Volta region of Ghana, using a multi-stage sampling technique in selecting participants. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the participants. Data was analyzed using SPSS Version 20.1. Results: Study respondents were mostly males, forming 69.8% as against 30.2% of their female counterparts. All (262) respondents had knowledge on Hep-B infection and the availability of a vaccine for preventing Hepatitis infection. However, despite their knowledge of existence, the majority (56.9%) of the respondents felt they did not need to be protected from Hep-B infection. Majority (58.8%) of the total respondents have been vaccinated against Hep-B infection. The study identified the cost of vaccines as a major setback to non-vaccination. However, out of the 41.2% respondents who were not vaccinated against Hep B infection, majority (50.9%) of them were not willing to be vaccinated even if it was offered to them at no cost. Conclusion: There was a significantly high level of knowledge on Hep-B infection and the availability of vaccine for Hep-B infection among students. However, the majority of the respondents felt they did not need to be protected from Hep-B infection. More education is needed on the importance of vaccination as an effective measure for controlling Hepatitis infection.

Assessment of Maternal Readiness for Childbirth and Childrearing among Adolescent Mothers in Ghana

Background: Adolescent pregnancy is a public health problem of concern in developed, developing and underdeveloped countries. Trends in developing and underdeveloped countries are higher and account for most adverse pregnancy outcomes. Adolescence is a period of transition between childhood and adulthood. The burden of coping with changes with this transition and at the same time preparing for childbirth puts pregnant adolescent girls on edge. Childbirth and childrearing are critical moments that require support and specialized skills to nurture healthy infants. Aim: This study aims to assess the readiness of adolescent expectant mothers towards childbirth and childrearing in the Komenda/Edina/Eguafo/Abirem (KEEA) district of the central region of Ghana. Methods: This study utilized the total population sampling technique to collect data from three sites that offer specialized adolescent antenatal services within the KEEA district of the central region of Ghana. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0 and results presented as descriptive statistics. Results: This study assessed maternal readiness for childbirth and childrearing among 98 pregnant adolescent girls. The study was dominated by late adolescents who made up 86.7% of study participants. Regarding readiness for childrearing, the majority (74.5%) said they could not independently cater for their children and will require some support. The majority (52.0%) have had some form of counseling with a greater number (41.2%) coming from parents. Regarding readiness to embrace childbirth, the majority (82.4%) of respondents said they had companions who were willing to support them during childbirth. The majority (57.1%) of respondents have packed their delivery items although only 13.3% of them knew their expected dates of delivery. About 37.8% of respondents had knowledge of the possibility of having blood transfusion during delivery. Conclusion: Adolescent pregnancy is pervasive, and adolescent mothers require optimal support to ensure safe motherhood. Health promotion activities must be streamlined to meet their specific needs. Their significant others must actively be involved in their perinatal counseling to enhance compliance with health and wellbeing programs.