ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF MOTOR PARK DRIVERS ON HEPATITIS B INFECTION IN AKURE NORTH MOTOR PARK, ONDO STATE

ABSTRACT The most prevalent liver infection, hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a blood borne virus which is a potentially deadly infection affecting the liver and remains a major public health threat due to its high morbidity and mortality. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and attitude of drivers on hepatitis B infection in Akure North Motor Park, Ondo State. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used for the research. A total of 128 motor park drivers were selected using purposive sampling technique in Akure North Motor Park, Ondo State. A well-structured questionnaire was used to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of drivers on HBV. Data were manually collected and analyzed electronically with the use of Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) Version 27. The result revealed that (38.3%) of the respondents were within the age range 41-50 years, with (42.2%) most of them having attained tertiary education. Majority, 100 (78.4%) possessed poor knowledge towards hepatitis B infection. Negative attitude was seen among most of the motor park drivers 104 (81.4%). Age was not significantly associated with the attitude of the respondents towards hepatitis B (P-value 0.194, X2 = 4.719). However, there is a statistically significant association between the respondents’ level of education and knowledge, marital status and their attitude towards hepatitis B (P-value 0.001, X2 = 13.747), (P-value 0.013, X2 = 6.131) respectively. It is recommended that periodic sensitization campaign should be conducted in motor parks focusing on health education on hepatitis B, diagnostic screening and vaccinations. Keywords: Attitude, Drivers, Hepatitis B, Knowledge, Motor Park. Word count: 250 words.