Knowledge, attitude, and practice of pharmacists in Southern Nigeria towards management and prevention of hepatitis B virus

Authors

  • Olisaeloka Okoye Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
  • Izuchukwu Obilom Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0009-0000-0643-4123
  • Jubilee Orjiakor Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2861-2164
  • Ifeoma Okeke Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0009-0005-1273-7119
  • Evaristus Ugboma Department of Inspection, Monitoring, and Quality Assurance Unit, Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0009-0005-0164-1592
  • Victror Amaechi Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8653-2347
  • Chimaobi Nwiyi Department of Pharmacy, Military Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3236-2802
  • Haroldcharles Anukam Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0009-0006-0428-4727
  • Emmanuella Ogbonna Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8008-6200
  • Ezichim Nzekwe Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
  • Jennifer Iganga Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0009-0007-8534-9373
  • Stephanie Izehi Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0009-0001-0847-6236
  • Jude Urama Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
  • Ifunanya Anunwa Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
  • Kosisochi Amorha Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0131-440X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46542/pe.2025.251.478492

Keywords:

Hepatitis B, Infection, Knowledge, Pharmacist, Vaccine

Abstract

Introduction: This study assessed the attitude and awareness of pharmacists in Southern Nigeria towards management and prevention of hepatitis B infection.

Methods: A 39-item, structured questionnaire was distributed online via WhatsApp groups of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) technical groups in 17 Southern Nigerian states for 6 weeks (August to September 2024). Data from 255 responses were analysed using SPSS v22, with statistical significance set at P ≤0.05.

Results: All respondents (100%) were aware of hepatitis B. Most (95.7%) knew that the virus could be transmitted via blood and blood products, and 73.7% knew that it could be transmitted from mother to child. In addition, 63.1 % identified Hepatitis B as a nosocomial infection and 96.1% knew about the availability of hepatitis B vaccine. Screening for hepatitis B was reported by 59.6%, whereas 48.6% had received formal training focused on hepatitis B. However, only 37.3% had been vaccinated, and 55.3% were unvaccinated.

Conclusion: The study revealed that the respondents have good knowledge, awareness, and attitude towards the management and prevention of hepatitis B. However, this did not translate into optimal preventive practices. Specific training on hepatitis B should be incorporated into continuous professional development programs for pharmacists.

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Published

05-10-2025

How to Cite

Okoye, O., Obilom, I., Orjiakor, J., Okeke, I., Ugboma, E., Amaechi, V., Nwiyi, C., Anukam, H., Ogbonna, E., Nzekwe, E., Iganga, J., Izehi, S., Urama, J., Anunwa, I., & Amorha , K. (2025). Knowledge, attitude, and practice of pharmacists in Southern Nigeria towards management and prevention of hepatitis B virus. Pharmacy Education, 25(1), p. 478–492. https://doi.org/10.46542/pe.2025.251.478492

Issue

Vol. 25 No. 1 (2025)

Section

Research Article

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