Knowledge, Perception and Prevention Practices of Hepatitis B virus infection among Health Workers in a Tertiary Health Institution, Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major global health concern, with over 2 billion people infected and an estimated 391 million individuals chronically infected. Nigeria has one of the highest burdens of HBV infection; with an estimated 11% prevalence despite the availability of a highly effective vaccine since 1982 and advances in diagnostics. The disease continues to be a significant health problem globally, particularly in Nigeria where health workers are at high risk of infection. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, perception and practice of HBV infection prevention among health workers at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, a tertiary health facility in Southwest Nigeria. Methods This research was a descriptive cross-sectional study which was conducted among 348 health workers selected through a stratified random sampling method. Data were elicited using a self-administered semi-structured questionnaire and analysed using IBM SPSS version 20. Relevant descriptive statistics were calculated and the result presented in tables. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 32.41±0.32 years. The majority had good knowledge (64.7%), positive perception about their risk (89.5%) and good practice (72.1%) of HBV prevention. 52.1% had never taken HBV vaccine and 10.5% did not plan to get screened for HBV. Conclusion: There is a need for improved awareness and sensitization on the prevention of HBV infection especially immunization among health workers. Also, adherence to infection control measures should be given more priority among the health workers.