Abstract
Purpose: To assess the level of awareness and knowledge of Hepatitis B infection in the selected area of Puchong, Malaysia.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 400 subjects (> 12 yrs of age) using validated questionnaire which was distributed and completed by the respondent from January 2013 to April 2013. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software.Results: Reliability test (Cronbach’s alpha) was 0.731 and 0.912 for knowledge and awareness, respectively, in the pilot study. The results showed that there was a significant difference in the mean knowledge and awareness of the subjects among various age groups (p < 0.05), ethnic groups (p < 0.005) and educational qualifications (p < 0.005). Out of 400 subjects, 48.5 % were not aware of and 66.5 % had never taken vaccine for Hepatitis B.Conclusion: Overall, the level of awareness and knowledge of hepatitis B is low. Each of the three demographic characteristics such as age group, ethnic group and educational qualification are a predictive factor. This low level of awareness and knowledge should be improved through health education and frequent vaccination programs on Hepatitis B among the public; especially in Puchong, Malaysia.Keywords: Hepatitis B, Knowledge, Awareness, Reliability test, Survey, Vaccination
Highlights
Malaysia is one of the developing nations in Southeast Asia, the rate of Hepatitis B infection is becoming a growing concern where approximately 1.1 million people are chronically infected with this virus [1]
We believe that the current state of hepatitis infection in Malaysia is due to the inadequate awareness and knowledge on HBV and very low uptake of hepatitis B vaccination by the lay public [6,7]
Sample size for the present study was calculated based on the total population in Puchong area, State Selangor, Malaysia
Summary
Malaysia is one of the developing nations in Southeast Asia, the rate of Hepatitis B infection is becoming a growing concern where approximately 1.1 million people are chronically infected with this virus [1]. The sign and symptoms of HBV are not evident till the later stage, public are not aware of this life threatening disease. We believe that the current state of hepatitis infection in Malaysia is due to the inadequate awareness and knowledge on HBV and very low uptake of hepatitis B vaccination by the lay public [6,7]. Prevention of this disease is essential to improve the quality and health status of the community
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