Abstract
The study aimed to determine hepatitis B vaccination status and assess the exposure of risk factors for hepatitis B and C among primary schoolteachers in Karachi, Pakistan. In two hundred school teachers from 30 primary schools in Karachi participated in the study between January and June 2008 by completing an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire. Exposure to and knowledge of hepatitis B and C were assessed, as well as mode of transmission and prevention. The percentage of vaccinated and non-vaccinated teachers was also estimated. Only 73 (36.5%) respondents were vaccinated against HBV. Nine percent (17) of the teachers had received more than 10 therapeutic injections while about 56% (101) took between 5-10 injections per annum. Fifteen (8%) of the teachers confirmed they had been injected with re-used syringes. More than 8% (17) of participants' family members were suffering from hepatitis B or C, while 10% (20) of family members had died of liver diseases without any known history. More than 13% (27) of participants shared razors, brushes, cigarettes and hukahs. Statistically significant difference was also observed in risk factors of hepatitis B and C among male and female respondents. Hepatitis B vaccination among school teachers of Karachi was around 37% with a high use of therapeutic injections and syringe reuse. Health awareness programs and educational workshops are needed for teachers, who can later educate the children.
Highlights
The study aimed to determine hepatitis B vaccination status and assess the exposure of risk factors for hepatitis B and C among primary schoolteachers in Karachi, Pakistan
Chronic hepatitis B is a severe problem in Pakistan [6]
The questions gathered the following information: age; gender; socio-economic status; educational level in years; number of injections used per annum; vaccination status; history of surgical procedures and/or blood products transfusion; factors predisposing to the horizontal transmission of hepatitis B; history or current use of intravenous drugs of the participant and of siblings or other family members; history of tattooing or ear piercing; jaundice or diagnosis of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) or HBV among participants, siblings, parents, or other family members (Table 1)
Summary
The study aimed to determine hepatitis B vaccination status and assess the exposure of risk factors for hepatitis B and C among primary schoolteachers in Karachi, Pakistan. The research team administered a pre-tested questionnaire to the teachers to obtain information on socio-demography and potential risk factors for HCV and HBV transmission.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
