Assessment of knowledge level about hepatitis B and seroprevalence of hepatitis B in high school students in adana province

Adolesecence is a period of growth, psychiatric maturity and preparation for life that takes place between childhood and adulthood and covers the ages between 10 and 19. In a genral sense, prevention of infectious diseases and immunization which is very important for public health is especially important for pur country whose vasy majority of population constitutes by adolescents. The aim of this study is to have an idea about the knowledge of high school students related to hepatitis B and to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B in the same group in Adana senior high schools. 2352 students from 10 senior high schools which were chosen randomly among central province of Adana participated in the first step of the study. Later on, 1512 students from the same group were chosen in order to determine hepatitis B markers. It was found that 78.3% of 1512 students were not exposed to HBV and 21.7% were contaminated with virus, 28% of the students were aware of hepatitis B related liver illness. Only 3.9% of the students knew that HBV was transmitted through contact with body fluids and 9.7% of the students knew the groups who were at high risk for hepatitis B. Hepatitis B related knowledge is well correlated with parents' educational status and except one question it is observed that the more average monthly income rose, the more correct answer increased (p<0.05). A correlation was not found with school, class, age and sex (p>0.05). We can conclude that the knowledge related to hepatitis B is not satisfactory in students of senior high schools in Adana. This situation can be improved by modifying school education programs and increasing the level of knowledge by widespread education methods. Also we can suggest that all adolexcents who were not exposed to hepatitis B must be vaccinated against hepatitis B and the infected ones must be monitored for complications.