Assessment of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Knowledge and Attitudes in a Sample of Health Care Workers from Southeast Brazil

Abstract

This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitudes about hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV) in health care workers (HCW). A total of 266 HCW from Rio de Janeiro State (Southeast Brazil) answered an instrument containing 17 questions to study viral hepatitis knowledge and 12 statements regarding attitude and behavior about HBV and HCV. Mean HCWs’ knowledge level was considered satisfactory (mean knowledge score was 12.21 ± 3.36), but almost half of HCW presented low knowledge level (score lower than 12.21). High knowledge level was observed in individuals with previous HBV vaccination. Mean attitude score was 39.06±10.47 showing high level of positive attitudes, particularly among dentists and professionals who had previous needle stick injury. In conclusion, almost half of HCW had low level of knowledge about HBV and HCV and some gaps were identified showing the importance of continuous viral hepatitis education to HCW in this setting.