Acceptance of Hepatitis B Vaccine Among Dental Health Care Workers

Abstract

Participation in hepatitis B vaccination programs by dental health care workers (DHCWs) has been low. Following a vaccination program at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, a survey was conducted to determine the relation of sociodemographic status, health beliefs, amount of patient contact, and perceived barriers to participation or nonparticipation in the program by 618 students, faculty, and staff. Stepwise logistic regression revealed that a respondent's age, perceptions about susceptibility to hepatitis B, amount of patient contact, and perceptions about the cost of the vaccine were significant determinants of participation. Findings from this study suggest that a highly structured program format is necessary to lower barriers and facilitate access to vaccination, while also cueing the DHCW to appropriate preventive behavior. knowledge appears to be but one factor that may affect decisions regarding acceptance of hepatitis B vaccine; health beliefs, motivational factors, barriers, and program organization all have a significant impact on the DHCW's decision.