Knowledge of Hepatitis B Virus Infection, Immunization with Hepatitis B Vaccine, Risk Perception, and Challenges to Control Hepatitis among Hospital Workers in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital. (22nd January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Adekanle, Olusegun; Ndububa, Dennis A.; Olowookere, Samuel Anu; Ijarotimi, Oluwasegun; Ijadunola, Kayode Thaddeus
• Other Names: Floreani Annarosa Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Hepatitis research and treatment. Volume 2015(2015)
• Publication Date: 2015-01-22
• Subjects: Hepatitis -- Periodicals; Hepatitis; Hepatitis; Electronic journals; Periodical; Periodicals; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 616.3623
• DOI: 10.1155/2015/439867
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-1364

Abstract

Abstract : Background . Studies had reported high rate of hepatitis B infection among hospital workers with low participation in vaccination programmes, especially those whose work exposes them to the risk of HBV infection. The study assessed knowledge of hepatitis B virus infection, risk perception, vaccination history, and challenges to control hepatitis among health workers. Methods . A descriptive cross-sectional study. Consenting health care workers completed a self-administered questionnaire that assessed respondents' general knowledge of HBV, vaccination history and HBsAg status, risk perception, and challenges to control hepatitis. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results . Three hundred and eighty-two health care workers participated in the study. There were 182 males and 200 females. The respondents comprised 94 (25%) medical doctors, 168 (44%) nurses, 68 (18%) medical laboratory technologists, and 52 (14%) pharmacists. Over 33% had poor knowledge with 35% not immunized against HBV. Predictors of good knowledge include age less than 35 years, male sex, being a medical doctor, previous HBsAg test, and complete HBV immunisation. Identified challenges to control hepatitis include lack of hospital policy (91.6%), poor orientation of newly employed health workers (75.9%), and low risk perception (74.6%). Conclusion . Hospital policy issues and low risk perception of HBV transmission have grave implications for the control of HBV infection.