Delays in presentation, diagnosis, and treatment in Sudanese women with breast cancer: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The poor prognosis of breast cancer in Sudan could be due to delayed treatment and diagnosis at an advanced stage. Our study aimed to assess the extent of delays from onset of symptoms to treatment in Sudanese women with breast cancer, as well as identify factors contributing to these delays. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a multi-center cross sectional study between March and April 2023. Data were collected from the medical records and interviews with women with breast cancer in the two main oncology centers in Sudan. Linear regression was used to identify the predictors of delayed presentation. RESULTS: We interviewed 601 women with breast cancer. The majority of women (50.1%) were diagnosed at locally advanced or metastatic disease. The median interval from the onset of symptoms to receiving oncologic treatment was 221 days (IQR = 92, 496). The longest delay was the presentation delay 61 (31 244) days. The median duration for diagnosis delay and treatment delay was 21 (10.57) days and 27 (10.64) days, respectively. Predictors of early presentation included, being young (ß = -5.3; 95% CI = 0.06 to 10), married (ß = -264; 95% CI = -427 to -101), divorced (ß = -306; 95% CI = -549 to -63), or widowed (ß = -320; 95% CI = --543 to -97), urban residence (ß = -107; 95% CI = -213 to -2.3), and seeking traditional healer (ß = -204; 95% CI = -383 to -26). CONCLUSION: Most Sudanese women with breast cancer experience significant patient delays, often presenting at advanced stages. Factors like being single, older, and living in rural areas contribute to these delays. Increasing breast cancer education, improving healthcare access and addressing sociodemographic barriers can potentially expedite diagnosis and improve outcomes.

Periconceptional folic acid usage and its associated factors in eastern Sudan: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Several countries poorly adhere to the World Health Organization's recommendation of folic acid supplementation in the periconceptional period, especially in limited-resource settings. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of and the factors associated with folic acid usage in the periconceptional period among pregnant women at Gadarif Maternity Hospital in eastern Sudan. STUDY DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional study. METHODS: This study was conducted in eastern Sudan from April to September 2022. A total of 720 pregnant women in their first trimester were enrolled. The sociodemographic characteristics and clinical and obstetrical data of pregnant women in their first trimester were assessed using a face-to-face questionnaire. In addition, multivariate regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: In this study, the median (interquartile range) of the age and gravidity of the enrolled women was 26.3 (24.14-29.52) years and 2 (1-4), respectively. Of these 720 women, 423 (58.8%) used folic acid during the periconceptional period, while 27 (3.7%) women used folic acid in the preconceptional period. None of the investigated factors (age, residence, education, employment, body mass index, or gravidity) were associated with periconceptional use of folic acid. CONCLUSION: The study revealed a low prevalence of folic acid usage in preconceptional period among pregnant women in eastern Sudan. Additional efforts are needed to promote folic acid usage in the preconceptional period as well as in the first trimester.

Evaluation of a computational model for mycetoma-causative agents identification.

BACKGROUND: The therapeutic strategy for mycetoma relies heavily on the identification of the causative agents, which are either fungal or bacterial. While histopathological examination of surgical biopsies is currently the most used diagnostic tool, it requires well-trained pathologists, who are lacking in most rural areas where mycetoma is endemic. In this work we propose and evaluate a machine learning approach that semi-automatically analyses histopathological microscopic images of grains and provides a classification of the disease as eumycetoma or actinomycetoma. METHODS: The computational model is based on radiomics and partial least squares. It is assessed on a dataset that includes 890 individual grains collected from 168 patients originating from the Mycetoma Research Centre in Sudan. The dataset contained 94 eumycetoma cases and 74 actinomycetoma cases, with a distribution of the species among the two causative agents that is representative of the Sudanese distribution. RESULTS: The proposed model achieved identification of causative agents with an accuracy of 91.89%, which is comparable to the accuracy of experts from the domain. The method was found to be robust to a small error in the segmentation of the grain and to changes in the acquisition protocol. Among the radiomics features, the homogeneity of mycetoma grain textures was found to be the most discriminative feature for causative agent identification. CONCLUSION: The results presented in this study support that this computational approach could greatly benefit rural areas with limited access to specialized clinical centres and also provide a second opinion for expert pathologists to implement the appropriate therapeutic strategy.

Reasons for leaving home and pattern of child abuse and substance misuse among street children in Khartoum, Sudan: a cross-sectional survey.

Street children are particularly susceptible to health-related adversities, including those resulting from substance abuse and child abuse. Information on street children is deficient in Sudan. This study provides basic data on characteristics, factors for leaving home, the pattern of child abuse and substance misuse among street children in Khartoum State, Sudan. This is a descriptive, cross-sectional, and community-based study. Data were collected through direct questioning of a sample of street children using a structured, standardized, and pretested interview-administered questionnaire. Two hundred and seventy-five (275) street children were interviewed. Most street children were males (83%). Of the interviewed children, 36.7% were illiterate, 66.1% had a single parent, and 36% did not recognize a home to return to. The commonest reported reasons for being on the streets were family conflicts and financial/economic difficulties (28.4 % and 27.5%), respectively. 89.1% of the children admitted to being substance abusers, mostly of glue (86.5%) and smoked tobacco (67.3%). Seventy-five-point three percent 75.3% of the children reported being subjected to a form of abuse, with physical and sexual abuse reported by 70.2% and 27%, respectively. Of the 74 children who reported sexual abuse, 49 were males (29% of males), and 25 were females (65% of females). The survey results are thought to guide further research and shape appropriate policymaking and coordinated interventions by concerned stakeholders, whether governmental or non-governmental.

Breast cancer awareness among Sudanese females in Omdurman city: 2021.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy among women worldwide. In contrast to Europe, it presents generally very late in Africa. As with the rest of Africa, it is the most common primary malignancy of females in Sudan, and generally presents in stage III or IV disease. This study is intended to analyse the level of breast cancer awareness among women of Sudan. OBJECTIVE: To assess the level of awareness of breast cancer among Sudanese females, and their attitude towards breast changes. Also, to establish possible associations between several variables: (education level, age, contact with a breast cancer patient, residence) on awareness. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional community-based study of 385 females in Omdurman city, selected by convenience sampling. An interview based Arabic version of Breast Cancer Awareness Measure (BCAM) was used. Data was coded and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) v.20. RESULTS: A total of 385 females were included, of which 38.7% were 20-30 years, 47.8% were single, 53.8% had university education, 41% of them were currently unemployed, and 54.3% resided in Ummbadda's locality. When asked about the signs and risk factors of breast cancer, 55.06% and 55.8% failed to name any. The cumulative percentage of correct answers of close-ended question about signs, risk factors and Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) screening program were 42.8%, 30.7% and 44.7% in that order. Only 38.2% knew the right method BSE, 48.2% of them rarely practiced it. 38.2% noticed a change in the breast tissue but didn't visit a doctor. The majority of them, though, said they would see a doctor if they noticed a change in the future. CONCLUSION: There is a severe lack of awareness of breast cancer among females of the Sudanese society. Also, there was a clear ignorant attitude practiced by a significant proportion of the candidates. RECOMMENDATIONS: Further research, to address the limitations of this study is to be done. FMoH has to improve its media massage and arrange targeted awareness campaigns.

Fungal infections in Sudan: An underestimated health problem.

Fungal diseases are associated with high morbidity and mortality, yet their epidemiology and burden are not well addressed. While deaths probably exceed 1.5 million per year, many cases remain undiagnosed and underreported. Estimating the burden of these diseases is needed for prioritization and implementation of effective control programs. Here we used a model based on population at risk to estimate the burden of serious fungal infections in Sudan. The prevalence of the susceptible population including HIV, TB, cancer, asthma, and COPD was obtained from the literature. Incidence and prevalence of fungal infections were calculated using local data when applicable and if not available then regional or international figures were used. In total, the estimated number of Sudanese suffering from fungal disease is 5 M (10% of the total population). Tinea capitis, recurrent vulvovaginitis and keratitis are estimated to affect 4,127,760, 631,261, and 6,552 patients, respectively. HIV-related mycosis is estimated to affect 5,945 oral candidiasis, 1,921 esophageal candidiasis, 571 Pneumocystis pneumonia, and 462 cryptococcal meningitis cases. Aspergillus infections are estimated as follow: 3,438 invasive aspergillosis, 14,950 chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, 67,860 allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis cases, while the prevalence of severe asthma with fungal sensitization and fungal rhinosinusitis was 86,860 and 93,600 cases, respectively. The neglected tropical disease eumycetoma was estimated to affect 16,837 cases with a rate of 36/100,000. Serious fungal infections are quite common in Sudan and require urgent attention to improve diagnosis, promote treatment, and develop surveillance programs.

Prevalence of smoking cigarettes and beliefs regarding smoking habits among medical students: a cross-sectional study in Sudan.

Background: Smoking is a common problem in university students worldwide. Smoking is one of the most dangerous social phenomena and has a significant impact on public health. This study investigated the beliefs and attitudes of medical students toward smoking in Sudan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students at Al Neelain University, Sudan, from March to June 2022 using a web-based questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of eight items on demographic characteristics and 13 on the beliefs and attitudes toward smoking. Other data included smoking status, smoking habits, the number of cigarettes smoked per day, and smoking duration. Data analysis was performed descriptively, and chi-square test and logistic regression were conducted using SPSS version 24. Statistical significance was set at 0.05. Results: A total of 336 students participated in this study, and the smoking prevalence was 48.8% (41.1% in men and 7.7% in women). In total, 76.8% reported smoking daily at a rate of 5-10 cigarettes per day. In terms of students' beliefs about smoking, 86.8% disagreed with selling cigarettes at the university. Of the respondents, 68.4% did not approve smoking on campus. There was a relationship between smoking habits and the age group of 22-25 years, which was the highest smoking category among students (p-value = 0.01). Conclusion: The prevalence of cigarette smoking among medical students is disturbing, particularly as they are future doctors. There is a need to include plans to reduce smoking among students that can be incorporated into courses and special programs.

Red Cell Alloimmunization in Repeatedly Transfused Sudanese Patients with leukemia in Northern Sudan.

BACKGROUND: Leukemia frequently causes anemia; thus patients need products containing normal blood or RBCs for treatment. Anti-red blood cell alloantibody formation is still a critical challenge in transfusion. OBJECTIVES: The current study aimed to investigate RBC alloantibodies in Sudanese leukemia patients who receive multiple blood transfusions at the cancer center in Dongola and Maroyee, Northern Sudan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: At the Northern State oncology center in Dongola and Maroyee, Sudan, an across-sectional descriptive study design was used. In this study, 100 leukemic patients who had received blood transfusions three times or more were enrolled. From each participant, Peripheral blood was drawn in amounts of 3 ml in EDTA vacutainer tubes for ABO blood group and Rh factor testing and 3 ml in non-additive containers for antibody screening and Alloantibody identification. All individuals' ABO blood groups and Rh factors were determined using the slide method. Indirect Coombs test apply to detect alloantibodies by Polly Specific antihuman globulin reagents using tube method techniques. Alloantibody identification was performed by DiaMed-ID microtyping system. RESULTS: Incidence of alloimmunization was 11%, with 11 alloantibodies found in 11 patients. The most common alloantibody was kell (36.4%), followed by Lea (27.2%; 3/11), then P (18.2%; 2/11) and M (18.2%; 2/11). CONCLUSION: Anti kell antibody was the most prevalent alloantibody among leukemic patients with multiple transfusions.

Handheld echocardiographic screening for rheumatic heart disease by non-experts in rural South Kordofan, Sudan: Supporting task shifting for control of a serious disease.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a major and preventable cause of cardiac morbidity in Sudan. It can be detected early with a handheld echocardiography (HHE) machine. Our study aimed to screen for RHD in rural South Kordofan and to investigate the ability of non-experts to obtain good quality HHE records. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in South Kordofan, Sudan. A team of non-experts was trained for two weeks on handheld echocardiographic screening for RHD using a simplified protocol. Cases were recorded and reviewed by a pediatric cardiologist. Demographic and clinical features of screened subjects were studied. Descriptive statistics were presented as "number (%)" or "mean ± SD". RHD frequency was expressed as cases per 1000, and the Chi-Square test/Fisher's Exact test was used to compare RHD findings between different groups. RESULTS: A total of 467 subjects were screened. Echocardiographic quality was acceptable in 93% of recorded studies, hence 452 cases were included in the analysis. The disease frequency was found to be 50 per 1000. Out of 452 screened subjects (age 10-25 years), 23 were found to have RHD. The disease was mild in 70% and moderate or involving two valves in 30% of patients. Risk factors for the disease included the father's occupation and the village of residence. CONCLUSION: Shortly trained non-expert medicals can assist in RHD surveillance in remote areas using HHE for early detection and management. South Kordofan state is highly endemic to RHD and a control program needs to be implemented.

Mycetoma management and clinical outcomes: the Mycetoma Research Center experience.

BACKGROUND: Mycetoma is a chronic granulomatous inflammatory disease that affects the cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues, leading to gruesome complications if not treated early. As a neglected disease, it has received scant attention in developing curable drugs. Mycetoma treatment is still based on expert opinions in the absence of guidelines. METHODS: This descriptive, cross-sectional, hospital-based study aimed to determine and assess the disease treatment outcomes observed at Mycetoma Research Center, Sudan. RESULTS: In this study, 75% of patients had eumycetoma, all of whom were treated with itraconazole and 37.4% underwent surgical excision, while 25% of the patients had actinomycetoma, 99.2% of whom were treated with a combination of cotrimoxazole and amoxicillin-clavulanate. The cure rate was 12.7% and 14.3% for patients with eumycetoma and actinomycetoma, respectively. Only 6.1% of eumycetoma patients underwent amputation. Remarkably, no patient with actinomycetoma underwent an amputation. Small lesions (OR=10.09, p<0.001) and good follow-up (OR=6.81, p=0.002) were positive predictors of complete cure. In terms of amputation, history of surgical recurrence at presentation (OR=3.67, p=0.020) and presence of grains (OR=7.13, p=0.012) were positive predictors, whereas small lesions were negative predictors (OR=0.06, p=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of mycetoma was suboptimal, with a low cure rate despite a long treatment duration. Complete cure has a significant association with small lesions and good follow-up.

Incidence Characteristics and Histological Types of Head and Neck Cancer among Adults in Central Sudan: A Retrospective Study.

Head and neck cancers (HNCs) are prevalent in Sudan, but the reasons for this and the incidence of different types of HNCs are not well understood. A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted to provide baseline data on the epidemiology of HNCs among patients treated at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in central Sudan. All cancer cases from 2016 to 2020 were retrieved from the NCI records. Of the 9475 new cancer patients who were registered at the NCI during the study period, 1033 (11%) had HNCs, of whom 767 (74.2%) were adults. The mean age of the adult patients was 54.5 years (standard deviation 15.8) and 449 (58.5%) patients were male. The annual incidence in adults was 4/105 population. The most common HNC sites were the nasopharynx (25.3%), hypopharynx (22.8%), and oral cavity (22.2%). Carcinoma was the most common diagnosis (87.6%), followed by lymphoma (5.6%). Most patients' tumors were at a locally advanced (22%) or metastatic stage (47%) of HNCs at the time of presentation. Further studies to identify risk factors for HNCs, particularly for the most prevalent types in central Sudan, are needed. In addition, Sudan requires capacity building for cancer, including a national cancer registry.

Prevalence and correlates of multiple non-communicable diseases risk factors among male and female adults in Sudan: results of the first national STEPS survey in 2016.

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are on the rise in low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and correlates of multiple NCD risk factors (inadequate fruit and vegetable intake, low physical activity, tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, diabetes, hypertension, raised total cholesterol and overweight/obesity) among adults in Sudan. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using nationally representative data. The analytic cohort included 7,722 participants who were between the ages of 18-69 years old individuals (median age=36 years) that took part in the "2016 Sudan STEPS survey." Results: In all, 34.2% had 0-1 NCD risk factor, 33.5% 2 risk factors, and 32.4% 3 or more NCD risk factors. In adjusted ordinal logistic regression analysis, the odds of having a higher count of NCD risk factors increased from 2.04 to 3.52 from the age group of 35-49 years to age group of 50-69 years when compared to the younger people aged 18-34 years. Men had higher odds (1.21) of higher NCD risk factor count than women. Individuals residing in urban areas had higher odds (1.86) of higher NCD risk factor count than individuals residing in rural areas. Conclusion: Almost one in three participants had three or more NCD risk factors and several associated variables were identified for men and women that can facilitate in designing intervention programmes.

Epithelial PD-L1 expression at tumor front predicts overall survival in a cohort of oral squamous cell carcinomas from Sudan.

BACKGROUND: We recently described the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) from Sudan by assessing the core of the lesions. However, the invasive tumor front (ITF) is the most active part of OSCC lesions; thus, TIME should also be characterized at the ITF in this patient cohort. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate patterns of immune cell infiltration at the ITF in a cohort of OSCC patients from Sudan previously investigated at the tumor center and their association with clinicopathological parameters. METHODS: This study was performed on a prospective cohort of 22 OSCC patients attending Khartoum Dental Teaching Hospital with a median follow-up of 48 months. Inflammatory infiltrate densities of CD4-, CD8-, FoxP3-, CD20-, CD66b-, M1 (CD80/CD68)-, M2 (CD163/CD68)-, and PD-L1-positive cells were assessed at the ITF by immunohistochemistry, followed by digital quantitative analysis at the stromal and epithelial compartments separately. Histopathological parameters such as the worst pattern of invasion, differentiation, and tumor budding (TB) were also assessed. Correlations between clinicopathological parameters and survival analysis were investigated using SPSS. RESULTS: All inflammatory cell subsets investigated were found to be higher in the stromal compartment as compared to the epithelial one, except for the PD-L1+ subset. Stromal infiltration with the CD8+ cell subset was associated with low TB. Kaplan-Meier analyses identified higher epithelial and stromal CD4+ cell subsets. The presence of PD-L1 was found to be associated with unfavorable overall survival. Further, Cox's regression analysis using an age- and tumor-stage-adjusted model identified epithelial PD-L1 expression at the ITF as the only independent prognosticator. CONCLUSIONS: Epithelial PD-L1 expression at the ITF was found to be an independent prognostic biomarker for OSCC in a cohort of Sudanese patients.

The role of laparoscopy in non-palpable undescended testicle: Analysis and review of the experience from two cities in Sudan.

Introduction: It is estimated that 1%-2% of male infants have undescended testicles. The reliability of ultrasound (US) to identify the non-palpable undescended testicles (NPUDT) is controversial. Laparoscopy remains the gold standard to diagnose and manage NPUDT. Objective: The objective is to highlight the role of laparoscopy in the management of NPUDT in 2 cities from Sudan over the past decade. Materials and Methods: Patients presented to Gadarif Teaching Hospital and Almak Nimir University Hospital with NPUDT were assessed by clinical examination and US. The testis, when found during laparoscopy, was either brought down to the scrotum in a single or two-stage or removed depending on the findings. Data were collected and analysed. Results: Patients covered the age range between 18 months and 65 years. The average was 12.4. The majority, 94 (67.2%) patients were older than 5 years. The main presenting symptom was either bilateral or unilateral empty scrotum. In 12 (8.4%) patients, the main presenting symptom was primary infertility. US was done in 120 (86.6%) of the patients and failed to see the testis in more than half of them. A single-stage procedure in the form of laparoscopic search assisted with orchidopexy was achieved in 90 (62.9%) patients and orchiectomy in 13 (9.1%) patients, while in 12 (8.4%) patients the testis was not found. Other procedures were applied on the 28 (19.6%) patients who needed staged operation in the form of Fowler Stephen's, in bilateral cases, in 6 (4.2%) patients. Shehata's operation in nine patients (64%) and open orchidopexy for 8 (5.6%) patients. The post-operative complication was encountered in 14 (9.8%) of the patients in this group in the form of bleeding, vassal injury and testicular atrophy. Conclusion: Laparoscopy provides the most accurate interventional option for managing patients with NPUDT. Laparoscopic orchidopexy, whether single stage for low or 2-stages for high intra-abdominal testis, is a proven and effective extension of lap-search with minimal complications.

Correlation between vertical dimension of occlusion and different facial measurements among a sample of sudanese adults / Correlación entre la dimensión vertical de la oclusión y diferentes medidas faciales en una muestra de adultos sudaneses

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) and various facial measurements in a sample of Sudanese adults. Material and Methods: A total of 113 dental students (33 males and 80 females) with a mean age of 21.7±1.26 years were enrolled in this study. Different facial measurements including (Eye-Mouth, Eye-Eye, Eye-Ear, and Ear Height) were compared with two different measurements of VDO: N-Gn (from the tip of the nose to the tip of the chin), and Sn-Me (from the base of the nose to the bottom of the chin). Pearson's correlation coefficient test was utilized for the correlation between the measured parameters. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant for all analyses. Results: A significant positive correlation was shown between all measured facial distances and both measured VDO distances. Though, the strongest correlation was seen for the eye-mouth distance (r= 0.725, p<0.001), while the weakest was for ear height (r= 0.254, p= 0.007). A paired t-test revealed a significant longer N-Gn distance than Sn-Me distance. Also, it has been shown that there were no significant differences between right and left sides of the face. Conclusion: The distance measured from the outer canthus of the eye to the angle of the mouth can be used to predict Subnasale-Menton (Sn-Me) distance.

Objetivo: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la correlación entre dimensión vertical oclusal (DVO) y varias medidas faciales en una muestra de adultos sudaneses. Material y Métodos: Un total de 113 estudiantes de odontología (33 hombres y 80 mujeres) con una edad media de 21,7 ± 1,26 años se inscribieron en este estudio. Se compararon diferentes medidas faciales que incluyen (ojo- boca, ojo-ojo, ojo-oído y altura de la oreja) con dos medidas diferentes de DVO: N-Gn (desde la punta de la nariz hasta la punta del mentón) y Sn -Yo (desde la base de la nariz hasta la parte inferior del mentón). Se utilizó la prueba del coeficiente de correlación de Pearson para la correlación entre los parámetros medidos. Un valor de p inferior a 0,05 se consideró significativo para todos los análisis. Resultados: Se mostró una correlación positiva significativa entre todas las distancias faciales medidas y ambas distancias DVO medidas. Sin embargo, la correlación más fuerte se observó para la distancia ojo-boca (r=0,725, p<0,001), mientras que la más débil fue para la altura de las orejas (r=0,254, p=0,007). Una prueba de t pareada reveló una distancia N-Gn significativamente más larga que la distancia subnasal-mentón. Además, se ha demostrado que no hubo diferencias significativas entre los lados derecho e izquierdo de la cara. Conclusión: La distancia medida desde el canto externo del ojo hasta el ángulo de la boca puede utilizarse para predecir la distancia subnasal-mentón.

Assessment of hepatitis B knowledge and awareness among the Sudanese population in Khartoum State.

Introduction: globally it is estimated that majority of the burden of hepatitis B virus infection is in sub-Saharan African countries (SSA). Africa is also hit by a dreadful complication of hepatocellular carcinoma and sequalae of end-stage liver disease. Despite this, the knowledge and awareness of the population to this silent killer is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B virus among the general population within Sudan to understand the misconceptions and provide a better direction toward the disease elimination goals. Methods: a community-based study was carried out in three locations in Khartoum state during a community hepatitis awareness campaign, where participants were provided education, screening, and vaccine. Data were collected after proper consent was obtained from the respective Institutional Review Board (IRB) office. Basic demographic characteristics, knowledge assessment questions, and awareness were used, which are derived from standard questionnaire. Finally, basic descriptive statistics were undergone to assess the knowledge and awareness of the participants. Results: the study has shown that self-reported hepatitis B among the participants was 9.6%. There are areas of hepatitis B misconception in knowledge and awareness related to transmission, modes of prevention and disease state. We have also noticed that prior vaccine coverage was low among the groups, which is also another major concern. Conclusion: the prevalence of hepatitis B from these randomly selected population groups is high. There is also lower vaccine coverage and many misconceptions in knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B. Policymakers should consider these issues seriously to improve the gaps in hepatitis B.