Abstract

Hepatitis ‘B’ virus (HBV) infection is endemic throughout the world; it has been recognized as a serious public health issue and a potentially life-threatening blood born liver infection.  It is one of the most common infectious diseases in the world and a major health problem. The virus is responsible for more than a million deaths worldwide annually. It has caused epidemics in the tropics parts of the world such as Asia and Africa. In view of this background, this study analyzes the knowledge, attitude and behaviour towards hepatitis B virus infection in Kaduna South Local Government Area of Kaduna State. To address the problem of study, three research questions were raised. The researcher adopted a survey research design and in-depth interview (IDI). A total of one hundred and sixty-four (164) respondents comprised the target of the study. Questionnaire and in-depth-interview guide were the instrument used for data collection. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), frequency tables and percentages (%) were employed in the data analysis. It was discovered that most of the respondents in the study area are aware of Hepatitis B Virus Infection Disease and virus is the cause of hepatitis B infection and sexual intercourse is a means of its transmission. The liver is the part of our organ hepatitis B affects and it can be prevented. Hepatitis B is a major health problem in Nigeria. Furthermore, most of the respondents have not been test for HBV infection and have not been vaccinated and they think are at risk of getting HBV infection and they believe in hepatitis B vaccine. Public awareness on the importance of hepatitis B virus infection should be intensified using mass media to give people access to comprehensive information on hepatitis B virus infection was recommended.

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    1
1.2 Statement of the Problem    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    3
1.3 Research Questions    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    5
1.4 Objective of the Study    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    6
1.5 Significance of the Study    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    6
1.6 Scope and Limitation of the Study    -    -    -    -    -    7
1.7 Definition of Key Terms    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    7
1.8 Chapter Outline    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    8
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
2.1 Introduction    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    9
2.2 Knowledge on Hepatitis B Virus Infection    -    -    -    -    9
2.3 Attitude of People towards Hepatitis B Virus Infection    -    -    -    14
2.4 Factors Influencing People’s Attitudes towards hepatitis B Virus Infection    19
2.5 Behaviour towards Hepatitis B Virus Infection    -    -    -    -    25
2.6 Theoretical Framework    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    29
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    38
3.2 Location of the Study    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    38
3.3 Sources of Data Collection    -    -    -    -    -    -    39
3.4 Population of Study    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    39
3.5 SampleSize and Sampling Technique     -    -    -    -    -    39
3.6 Methods of Data Collection    -    -    -    -    -    -    41
3.7 Method of Data Analysis    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    43
3.8 Problems Encountered in the Field    -    -    -    -    -    43
CHAPTER FOUR
ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA
4.1 Introduction    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    45
4.2 Socio-Demographic Data of the Respondents    -    -    -    -    45
4.3 Knowledge of Hepatitis B Virus Infection    -    -    -    -    47
4.4 Attitude of People towards Hepatitis B Virus Infection    -    -    -    52
4.5 Factors Influencing People’s Attitudes towards Hepatitis B Virus Infection-    56
4.6 Behaviour towards Hepatitis B Virus Infection    -    -    -    -    60
4.7 Discussion of Findings    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    62
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.0 Introduction    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    71
5.1 Summary    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    71
5.2 Conclusion    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    73
5.3 Recommendations    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    73
References    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    75
Appendices    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    86