Globally and in Morocco, viral hepatitis is a major public health priority, and knowledge and awareness are essential in the combat against this disease.

To assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of university students regarding viral hepatitis.

A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among students enrolled at Mohammed Premier University in Oujda, for the 2023-2024 academic year, using a self-administered and anonymous online questionnaire.

503 students completed the online questionnaire. The results showed that hepatitis B (73.6%) and C (67.4%) are better known than hepatitis A (52.0%) and E (24.3%). The majority of students (78.0%) knew that HBV can be transmitted by blood, and 62.0% by sexual transmission. For the main mode of transmission of hepatitis C, around two-thirds of respondents (69.0%) indicated transmission by contact with infected blood. Transmission of HVA and HVE viruses was known by 43.5%. The level of knowledge about hepatitis was significantly associated with education levels, medical school affiliation and socio-economic status. Students' preventive practices were positive, but their attitudes towards people with viral hepatitis were negative.

Our results suggest that knowledge of hepatitis needs to be improved through awareness and education campaigns, in order to combat these diseases, especially as Morocco has committed to a global movement to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030.