Knowledge, attitudes and practice of primary healthcare physicians concerning the occupational risks of hepatitis B virus in Al Jouf Province, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a well-recognized occupational risk for all healthcare workers (HCWs) worldwide. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of primary healthcare (PHC) physicians regarding the occupational risks of HBV. In this cross-sectional study, a questionnaire survey was administered to 145 physicians of primary care centers in the Al Jouf Province of Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire contained questions concerning the knowledge base, attitudes and practices of physicians regarding the occupational risks of HBV. The response rate of 82.8% yielded 120 questionnaires for analysis. The majority of physicians surveyed, 99 (82.5%), felt at high risk of contracting and spreading HBV. The vast majority, 115 (95.6%), considered the HBV vaccine safe for all ages. Of the total, 101 (84.2%) were vaccinated. Only 44 (36.7%) physicians recognized that HBV is resistant to alcohol and to some detergents. During surgical procedures, only a minority of the physicians always use double gloves and wear glasses. Almost all physicians were willing to subscribe to regular training programs concerning HBV. A lack of knowledge was determined, and the practices of our physicians concerning the occupational risks of HBV appeared inappropriate. More education focusing on HBV is recommended.