Hepatitis B Virus Awareness Research Articles

AWARENESS IN HEPATITIS B PATIENTS- NEED OF THE HOUR

Introduction:Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has variable manifestations which include both hepatic as well as extrahepatic. It affects significant proportion of population worldwide and can causeacute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis,cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). There is limited data regarding awareness of HBV in patients who are suffering from it which is very essential for both prevention as well as cure of this deadly disease. Thus, more researches are required in this field, so that well planned steps can be taken to combat hepatitis B. Aims and objectives:The aim was to study awareness about their disease in confirmed patients of Hepatitis B. Materials & methods:This study was a prospective study done at PGIMS, Rohtak for eleven years duration i.e. 01.01.2014 to 31.12.2024, for determining awareness about hepatitis B in confirmed patients of hepatitis B. In eleven years, total 10,000 hepatitis B patients were enrolled which included 700 acute hepatitis B and 9300 belonged to chronic hepatitis B. Out of these 9300 patients of chronic hepatitis B, 6510 belonged to inactive carrier stage, 1860 belonged to chronic hepatitis active stage and 930 belonged to cirrhotic stage. Out of these 930 cirrhotic, 28 had developed hepatocellular carcinoma. All of these patients were evaluated on basis of detailed questionnaire regarding awareness about their HBV infection. Results:Out oftotal pool of 10,000 patients, only 250 patients were having complete awareness about different aspects related to HBV infection. Fourty patients, in addition to these 250 patients had partial knowledge about HBV. Conclusion: There is huge lack of awareness regarding mode of transmission, spread of disease, precautions including vaccination and available treatment regarding their disease in hepatitis B patients which needs to be improved on urgent and priority basis.

PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS OF HEPATITIS B VIRUS INFECTION IN LAFIA METROPOLIS, NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA.

Hepatitis B (HB), caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), remains a critical public health challenge in Nigeria. Globally, the HBV infects approximately 296 million people, significantly contributing to morbidity and mortality, with liver cirrhosis and liver cancer ranking as the 11th and 24th leading causes of death, respectively. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of HBV infection and the associated risk factors within the Lafia Metropolis, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted from September to November 2023, utilizing a validated questionnaire to assess 461 randomly selected participants from four communities (Azuba, Bukan Sidi, Danka Sarki, and Doka), representing diverse sociodemographic profiles and varying degrees of exposure to risk factors associated with HBV infection. Data were analyzed using chi-square (χ2) tests with IBM SPSS statistical software version 28.0 at a significance level of p < 0.05. The findings showed that the overall prevalence of HBV infection was 7.8%. A significant association was observed between the prevalence of HBV infection and monthly income (p < 0.01). However, no associations were found with age, gender, educational level, marital status, occupation, or religion. Regarding risk factors, a significant association was found between HBV infection and awareness of one's HBV status (p < 0.03). These findings highlight the need for targeted public health interventions and policies aimed at reducing HBV transmission among high-risk sociodemographic groups in Lafia Metropolis. This approach could potentially reduce the burden of HBV and improve health outcomes in affected communities.

Out of sight, into mind: a socioecological model-informed qualitative study on barriers and facilitators to hepatitis B care among West African immigrants in the Bronx, New York

BackgroundThere is a high burden of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in West Africa. Over the past 20 years, West African immigration to the United States (U.S.) has been increasing. Prevalence of HBV infection in West Africa has been reported to be as high as 5–10%.MethodsWe sought to understand knowledge and attitudes of and barriers and facilitators to HBV screening, vaccination, and treatment in a cohort of West African immigrants in the Bronx living with or at risk for HBV through a series of one-on-one qualitative interviews. We interviewed 23 West African immigrants and analyzed transcripts for recurring themes using Applied Thematic Analysis. We situated our analysis in the socioecological model (SEM) and adhered to the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ).ResultsMultiple themes emerged, most prominently themes relating to HBV knowledge/awareness, trust in U.S. healthcare providers and the U.S. healthcare system, positive social support improving healthcare access, knowledge sharing, stigma towards those with HBV, issues concerning immigration status, insurance status, and access to healthcare services.ConclusionRaising awareness of HBV, addressing social and structural barriers such as stigma and health insurance, and improving access to culturally sensitive programs among West African communities are needed to increase HBV screening, vaccination, and linkage to care.

Knowledge, Awareness, and Vaccination Compliance of Hepatitis B among the General Population in Aseer Region

Abstract Background: The current study aimed to assess knowledge, awareness, and vaccination compliance of hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBV infection remains a public health problem worldwide. Furthermore, poor disease awareness, low diagnosis rates, and nonadherence to therapy amplify the disease burden. Methods: A cross-sectional web-based study was conducted in Southern Saudi Arabia to assess public knowledge and awareness about HBV and vaccination in the Aseer region. Participants aged 18 years and above were enrolled, and an online questionnaire was developed. The questionnaire included demographic data and knowledge about HBV vaccination. The study was published on social media platforms, with participants encouraged to participate and confidentiality clarified. The final questionnaire was uploaded until no new answers were obtained. Results: A total of 916 eligible participants completed the study questionnaire. Participants’ ages ranged from 18 to more than 60 years with a mean age of 33.1 ± 11.9 years old. Exact of 647 (70.6%) participants were males. Exact of 355 (38.8%) of the study participants received the HBV vaccine. Only 180 (19.7%) had a good knowledge level, 368 (40.2%) had an average knowledge level, and 368 (40.2%) had a poor knowledge level about HBV and vaccines. High education, working in the medical field, and having a family history of HBV infection were significantly associated with a high knowledge level (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: The study found fair public awareness of HBV in the Aseer region, but a lack of knowledge about transmission and prevention. Most know about the HBV vaccine, but coverage is below the World Health Organization recommended.

Knowledge and Testing of Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Vaccination Awareness among University Students in Kumasi, Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Hepatitis B is a potentially life-threatening liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and major global health problem, affecting millions of people globally. Whilst college or university students could serve as a positive vehicle that may aid in the propagation of education in the communities, there is currently paucity of data on knowledge of HBV and vaccination awareness among university students in Ghana. This study therefore assessed knowledge on hepatitis B virus infection, testing, and vaccination awareness among science and non-science students in Ghana. This cross-sectional study included 386 students from the Garden City University College, Kumasi, Ghana, from February to June 2022. A well-structured questionnaire was used to obtain data on knowledge, testing, HBV vaccination status, and sociodemographic characteristics of participants. All statistical analyses were done using SPSS Version 26.0 and GraphPad prism version 8.0. A Chi-square test statistic and logistics regression analyses were used to determine factors associated with study variables among study participants. p value of <0.05 and 95% confidence interval were considered statistically significant. About half (51.5%) of the participants had adequate knowledge on hepatitis B infection with 22.3% demonstrating poor knowledge on hepatitis B infection. A little more than average (51.6%) previously tested for hepatitis B (HBV) whilst 32.9% were highly aware of hepatitis B vaccination and 33.9% were not aware of hepatitis B vaccination. This study found that ethnicity of students (p=0.0020), family history of hepatitis B infection (p=0.0160), and academic cumulative weighted average (CWA) (p=0.0020) were significantly associated with knowledge about hepatitis B infection. Also, students reading science-related programs had more than twice the odds (aOR = 2.56, 95% CI (1.03-5.08), p=0.0210) of having tested for HBV infections before compared to students who read non-science programs. Furthermore, sex (p < 0.0001), family history of HBV vaccination (p=0.0260), CWA (p=0.0060), and the program of students (p=0.0020) were significantly associated with awareness of HBV vaccination. Knowledge of HBV infection among university students is satisfactory but awareness of HBV vaccination and testing is poor. There is a need to enhance educational interventions to improve the general knowledge of HBV infection, testing, and vaccination in Ghana especially among non-science students.

Knowledge and Risk Assessment of Hepatitis B Infection among Barbers and Beauty Salon Workers in Mwanza, Tanzania

Background and Objective Community-acquired hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is increasing in developing countries. In Tanzania, there is an exponential increase in barbershops and beauty salons, which are potential sites of transmission of HBV. Occupational exposure rates and HBV vaccination rates among salon workers are unknown; their level of knowledge about infection prevention and control (IPC) is also unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the risk of infection and the knowledge of barbers and beauty salon workers about HBV transmission and prevention. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience sample of 200 barbers and beauty salon workers from 13 barber shops and 13 beauty salons in the urban district of Mwanza, Tanzania. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, entered into EpiData version 3.1, and analyzed with Stata version 13. Categorical variables were expressed as frequencies, and association levels were compared using Fisher’s exact test. Results Fifty-four percent of the study participants were female, and the mean age was 25 (21.0–29.5) years. A total of 126 (63%) participants were aware of the existence of HBV infection, of which only 22% had general good knowledge of HBV transmission and prevention. Both HBV awareness (P &lt; 0.001) and good knowledge of its transmission and prevention (P = 0.03) were positively associated with higher levels of education. Seventy-three (36.5%) participants reported a history of occupational injuries. Merely 27.8% of participants were familiar with the correct methods of decontamination beauty tools, and only 14.3% understood the correct procedures for post-exposure wound care. Vaccination coverage was low with only (2%) of barbers and beauty salon workers having received vaccines. Conclusion and Implications for Translations The frequent occupational injuries and inadequate vaccination among barbers and beauty salon workers amplify their risk of HBV infection. They also lack basic knowledge about HBV transmission and prevention, placing the clients they serve at high risk for infection. We recommend that training on HBV Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) should focus on this specific group, and the implementation of these measures should be closely monitored in barbershops and beauty salons. Moreover, this vulnerable group should be considered for a global vaccination program.

Factors associated with knowledge and awareness of Hepatitis B in individuals of Chinese descent: Results from a mass point of care testing and outreach campaign in Toronto, Canada.

Migrants from hepatitis B virus (HBV) endemic regions are at high risk of having chronic infection. Despite this, HBV knowledge and awareness programming, and low-barrier screening methods such as point of care (POC) testing, among this group have yet to become routine. We conducted a mass HBV POC screening and knowledge and awareness campaign for individuals of Chinese descent in Toronto, Canada. POC screening was administered, then participants completed a knowledge questionnaire. Logistic regression identified associations between demographic factors and participants' level of HBV knowledge. From 2015 to 2018, 33 outreach events resulted in 891 individuals completing testing and the knowledge questionnaire. Individuals averaged 64.4 years old. Most, 62% (N = 552), were female, and 73.6% (N = 656) have been in Canada for <30 years. The average questionnaire score was 70.7% correct, with 65.2% (N = 581) demonstrating a high level of HBV knowledge. Post-secondary education (OR: 2.19, 95% CI: 1.41, 3.39), income of $50,000 to <$75,000 (OR: 2.74, 95% CI: 1.39, 5.43), and having familial history of HBV (OR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.78) were associated with high knowledge. The observed prevalence of HBV was 1.5%, with 13 individuals testing positive on the POC test and confirmatory laboratory testing. Improving knowledge and awareness of HBV is critical to empowering people, especially migrants who experience barriers to care, to pursue vaccination, testing, and treatment. Combining knowledge outreach and POC test campaigns, enabled discussion and screening for HBV with large numbers of people, and can be tailored for optimal effectiveness for specific groups.

Knowledge, attitude, and practices toward Hepatitis B infection among hemodialysis patients: A nationwide study in Jordan.

The Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a prevalent blood-borne illness, posing a significant risk to hemodialysis patients particularly due to their potential immunosuppressed status. This study aimed to address HBV awareness among Jordanian hemodialysis patients, filling a gap in regional research. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at a multicenter governmental hospital in Jordan, with 389 participants. Among them, 61.3% were male, and 80.7% were over 38 years old. While 34% demonstrated a high level of knowledge, Participants with a higher degree of education and those working in the medical field were more informed. Although most participants had an inadequate understanding of HBV symptoms and transmission, they maintained positive attitudes and engaged in infection preventative actions. Enhanced educational efforts are required to raise awareness among hemodialysis patients, and further research is needed to address any reluctance towards preventive practices and seeking treatment.

Knowledge, Health Practices and Policies for Hepatitis for Midwifery and Nurses in Allied and District Hospital Faisalabad

Background: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is a critical global health concern with significant morbidity and mortality. Nurses and midwives, as frontline healthcare professionals, are particularly vulnerable to HBV infection. This study focuses on evaluating the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to HBV among these groups in Faisalabad, Pakistan, a region with limited existing research on this topic. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in two major public maternity hospitals in Faisalabad (District and Allied hospitals). A structured questionnaire, pre-tested for validity, was administered to assess the KAP towards HBV. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Version 21, applying chi-square tests to explore associations between categorical variables. Results: The study sampled 110 healthcare workers (nurses and midwives). Key findings included Knowledge to be 58.2% of participants had an average level of HBV knowledge, Attitudes to be A majority displayed a positive attitude towards HBV prevention, Practices to be 65.5% reported adhering to safe practices. However, a clear percentage of 51.8% had experienced needlestick injuries. Vaccination and PEP found to be only 40.9% completed the HBV vaccination series, and 50% held misconceptions regarding HBV post-exposure prophylaxis. Conclusion: The study reveals a considerable awareness of HBV among nurses and midwives in Faisalabad hospitals, yet highlights critical gaps in both knowledge, particularly concerning PEP, and practices, as evidenced by high rates of needlestick injuries and low vaccination completion. These findings call for intensified efforts in occupational safety, education on HBV, and increasing vaccination coverage among healthcare workers.

2493. Barriers and Facilitators to Hepatitis B Screening, Vaccination, and Treatment Amongst West African Immigrants in The Bronx

Abstract Background There is a high burden of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in West Africa. Over the past 20 years, West African immigration to the U.S. has been increasing, especially to the Bronx. Prevalence of HBV infection in West Africa has been reported to be as high as 5-10%. We sought to understand knowledge and attitudes of and barriers and facilitators to HBV screening, vaccination, and treatment in a cohort of people living with and at risk for HBV. Methods We recruited participants through an HBV outreach program (The Starfish Program) which provides free HBV education, screening, and vaccination with a focus on West Africans. We conducted one-on-one in-depth, in-person qualitative interviews with West African immigrants over the age of 18 residing in the Bronx. Our interviews were guided by the modified socioecological model (SEM), which includes individual, social network, community, and societal domains. The interviews assessed participants’ understanding of HBV, social issues surrounding HBV in their community, and structural factors affecting their ability to seek healthcare. Data were analyzed in an iterative process using a thematic analysis. Results Participants (n=23) had origins in 6 different West African nations, although mainly from Ghana and Nigeria, with a median age of 49.5 (IQR 40-66). 56.5% were female. 7 were HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) positive, 6 were HBsAg negative, and 10 had unknown status at the time of interview. Median time since immigrating was 15.5 years (IQR 4-21). Key barriers included limited knowledge of HBV, HBV-related stigma, lack of health insurance, and undocumented immigration status/fear of deportation. Key facilitators included trust in U.S. healthcare providers and healthcare system, social support networks, and ease of accessing healthcare after obtaining health insurance. Demographics of interview participants Conclusion Raising awareness of HBV, addressing social and structural barriers such as stigma and health insurance, and improving access to culturally sensitive programs among West African communities could help increase HBV screening, vaccination, and treatment in this vulnerable population. Disclosures Samuel Sigal, MD, Eli Lilly: Grant/Research Support|Gilead Sciences: Grant/Research Support|Gilead Sciences: Speakers Bureau|Intercept: Grant/Research Support|Mallenchrodt: Advisor/Consultant|Mallenchrodt: Grant/Research Support

Unawareness of hepatitis B infection and lack of surveillance are associated with severity of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Unawareness of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and lack of surveillance may serve as major barriers to HBV control and contributors to severe hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at presentation. This study evaluated the risk of HBV unawareness and its relationship with HCC severity. This retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Taiwan. Patients with HBV-related HCC diagnosed from 2011 to 2021 were enrolled. The demographic, clinical, and HCC characteristics were collected and compared between patients with HBV unawareness and awareness with and without surveillance. Of 501 HBV-related HCC patients enrolled, 105 (21%) patients were unaware of HBV infection at the time of HCC diagnosis. Patients with HBV unawareness were significantly younger and had poorer liver function than those with HBV awareness. Patients with HBV unawareness also had a significantly higher rate of detectable HBV DNA and an advanced stage of HCC. Ninety-one (23%) of the HBV-aware patients did not receive regular surveillance. Patients with HBV unawareness and awareness without surveillance shared similar clinical characteristics with more severe HCC status. Further regression analysis demonstrated that HBV awareness with periodic surveillance was associated with early stage HCC. Meanwhile, we observed that there was no change in the proportion of HBV awareness over the past 10 years. Patients with surveillance also had better HCC survival than patients without surveillance or unawareness. HBV unawareness and lack of regular surveillance correlated with advanced HCC at presentation. Efforts to improve HBV education, disease awareness, and HCC surveillance are needed.

A Comparison of the Awareness, Attitude, and Uptake of COVID-19, Hepatitis B Virus, and Yellow Fever Vaccines Between Rural and Urban Respondents in Edo State, Nigeria.

Despite the target set by WHO, Africa still falls short when it comes to individuals' use of COVID-19 vaccines. There is a similar pattern of low vaccine usage for the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and yellow fever (YF). The objective of our study is to compare the awareness, attitude, and uptake of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD), COVID-19, HBV, and YF, between a rural and an urban community in Nigeria. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out between January 2022 and December 2022 in a rural community, Okada, and an urban community, Benin, in Edo State, Nigeria. A total of 283 rural participants and 483 urban participants were interviewed. SPSS Statistics version 26 (IBM Corp. Released 2019. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.) was used for data collection and analysis. The significant value was set at P<0.05. A major percentage of both populations, 98.3% urban and 90.1% rural, reported being aware of COVID-19 vaccines (indicated by P<0.001). There was a similar pattern with HBV vaccine awareness. However, awareness of YF vaccines was more common in the rural (63.3%) community than in the urban (55.0%) community. A complete dose uptake of COVID-19 vaccines was reported by 7.7% of the rural and 2.2% of the urban respondents. The major reason for the refusal of vaccine uptake was the fear of possible side effects. The study showed that vaccine uptake for COVID-19, HBV, and YF is low despite seemingly good awareness of these vaccines. The number one reason for any vaccine refusal is the possibility of experiencing side effects.

Hepatitis B vaccination status and associated factors among health science students

Objective: To evaluate hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine coverage and its associated factors among health science students in Vietnam. Methods: This cross-sectional study involving 459 health science students at Tra Vinh University was conducted between April and June 2022. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire with items on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge and attitude about HBV, and vaccination status. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to explore the factors associated with vaccination status. Results: The majority of participants were female (65.8%) and enrolled at the medical school (56.2%). A total of 30.3% participants received the full dose of the HBV vaccine. The percentages of participants with sufficient knowledge and positive attitudes toward HBV infection were 75.2% and 43.4%, respectively. Vaccination was 11.8 times higher in sixth-year medical students than any healthcare student in their first-year [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 11.8, 95% CI 3.1-45.1, P&lt;0.001], and the coverage was also significant higher in those who had sufficient knowledge (aOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1-3.9, P&lt;0.05) and positive attitudes (aOR 3.0, 95% CI 1.9-4.8, P&lt;0.05) than in their counterparts. Conclusions: The majority of students were not fully vaccinated against HBV, indicating they were vulnerable to the disease. Administrators and authorities should reinforce health education messages aimed at encouraging all students to get vaccinated with the HBV vaccine, enhance their awareness and knowledge of HBV, and improve attitudes toward HBV infection prevention.

A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ON THE AWARENESS OF THE GENERAL POPULATION IN KARACHI, PAKISTAN TOWARDS HEPATITIS B VIRUS AND THE DISEASE

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) causes a serious infection that has been increasingly spreading in Pakistan in recent years. The probable causes may include illiteracy, absence of appropriate health services, and less community awareness about the spread of major infectious diseases. This study has evaluated the awareness of HBV infection in different areas of Karachi. A survey-based questionnaire with a total of 25 awareness questions was filled out by the general population as well as people related to the medical field. The data was analyzed using the SPSS version 20 and chi-square tests were used for the p-significance value. A total of 646 responses were collected out of which, 56.50% were medical personnel and 43.50% belong to the general population. In the current study the awareness of HBV was categorized into highly aware, moderately aware, and less awareness level and it was assessed based on gender, marital status, residential area, and educational background. The awareness level was found to be very low in the general population mostly belonging to the rural areas, which ultimately leads to the morbidity rate of hepatitis B virus infection. To improve the level of awareness about infectious diseases, it is necessary to conduct awareness campaigns among people that are not related to the medical community.

Hepatitis B-Virus Genotype D is Prevalent in a Multi-Ethnic Population of Karachi, Pakistan

The Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a major cause of chronic hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) globally. HBV is broadly classified into ten genotypes (A-J). Each genotype is distinctive due to its geographical distribution, response to certain treatments, and association with disease severity. The investigation of HBV genotypes is worthwhile as it will help predict patient prognosis and ensure effective treatment. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalent HBV genotypes in the multiethnic population of Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 206 patients were enrolled in the study from January 2011 to April 2016. Of the 206 patients that we investigated, a total of 159 patients were positive for HBV infection. Furthermore, genotyping analysis of the positive samples revealed that the most common genotypes were HBV D (59% samples (n=94)), co-infection with genotype A &amp; D (22% (n=35)) and genotype A (16% (n=26)). Most of the HBV-positive patients were males between 21 to 40 years of age. As genotype D is associated with worse outcomes, it is imperative that HBV awareness programs are launched to prevent the further spread of infections in this densely populated city.

Knowledge, Awareness and Prevalence of Hepatitis B Among Urban Slum Dwellers and Residents of Social Welfare Home: A Cross sectional Study From Eastern India

In view of limited data on the knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the available preventive strategies at the community level, it was aimed to analyse the knowledge and awareness of HBV in the community. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted among residents of an urban slum and a social welfare home in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from October 2019 to April 2021. The prevalence of HBV infection was also measured by testing the serum positivity for hepatitis B surface antigen using rapid point-of-care test kits. The statistical analysis was done by using the software SPSS version 20. A total of 370 individuals (mean age 38.7±14.9 years, males: 55.1%) were assessed. Although 18.1% (67) had good knowledge, only 16.7% (62) had good awareness about HBV. Approximately 14.8% (55) knew that a vaccine is available in the country for HBV, and 6.2% (23) identified themselves as being vaccinated. Educational status was a significant independent predictor of knowledge and awareness such that people with education level of matriculation and above had odds of 11.05 (95% confidence interval: 5.3-22.7) and 14.7 (95% confidence interval: 6.5-33.1) for having good knowledge and awareness regarding HBV, respectively. A total of 10 participants tested positive for hepatitis B surface antigen contributing to a point prevalence rate of 2.7%. The proportion of individuals with an education status of matriculation and above was higher in the slum area when compared with the welfare home (67% vs 33%; P<0.001), the knowledge (71.6% vs 28.4%; P<0.001) and so was the awareness (71% vs 29%; P<0.001) about HBV as well. The relatively low figures of knowledge and awareness identified in our study undermine the need for intensification of health education and promotion activities regarding the prevalence of hepatitis B infection on a large scale at the community level.

Awareness and treatment of chronic hepatitis B in Malaysia-findings from a community-based screening campaign

IntroductionIn 2016 the World Health Organization (WHO) had adopted a global strategy to eliminate Hepatitis B (HBV) by 2030 through five core interventions. One of which is the “cascade of care”, the continuum of services that persons with chronic Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) should receive as they progress from screening to diagnosis to treatment to chronic care. We determined the prevalence of the awareness and treatment of chronic HBV in Malaysia based on a large sample data from a screening campaign.MethodsA total of 10,436 subjects participated in the HBV screening campaign organized by the Hepatitis Free Pahang Malaysia (HFP). Between in 2018 and 2019, HFP organized a total of 109 health fairs in partnership with local non-governmental organizations (NGO) to conduct HBV screening mostly in small towns and villages largely in the state of Pahang. All screen-positive subjects were recalled to undergo laboratory-based HBsAg and HBV DNA tests. Patients with confirmed chronic HBV were referred to local health services, while continued being monitored by HFP.ResultsWe estimated 13.1% of Malaysian adults aged 20 or older with chronic HBV were aware of their HBV status, and of those only 0.7% had received prior anti-viral treatment, but among those with baseline HBV DNA level > 20,000 IU/ml, 15.6% were subsequently treated. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate was the only medicine used on all treated patients.ConclusionFew Malaysian adults with HBV were aware of their infection and even less received anti-viral therapy. Concerted public health efforts are urgently needed to improve HBV screening and care cascade in order to meet WHO’s targets for HBV elimination.

Knowledge and attitude of dental students toward hepatitis B virus and its vaccination - A cross-sectional study.

Objectives:To estimate the awareness of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and coverage of hepatitis B vaccination among dental students enrolled in dental colleges located in Andhra Pradesh.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted using a prestructured questionnaire to find out the awareness of HBV and coverage of hepatitis B vaccine among dental students.Results:A total of 2780 dental students were approached to participate in the study but only 2701 (97.1%) students (M = 900, F = 1801) gave response. Out of the total 2701 students, 79.45% were aware of HBV infection and only 51.50% of the participants received hepatitis B vaccine. 20.5% have come across HBV infected patients and 59.5% are unaware of postexposure protocol. Of all, 63.9%, 21.5% and 42% felt the mode of transmission is blood, sexual contact and oral fluids, respectively. 49.12% recommended for awareness programs on risks in HBV; 56.46% suggested mandatory Hepatitis B vaccination programs in dental colleges.Conclusions:Despite the availability and accessibility of a cost-effective hepatitis B vaccine, the vaccination coverage among dental students was low. Health education needs to be improved for all health care students especially for dental students.

A mixed-methods evaluation of hepatitis B knowledge, attitudes, and practices among migrant women in Thailand

BackgroundGlobally 90 % of transmission of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is from mother-to child and occurs predominantly in resource limited countries where the prevalence of HBV is high. Transmission could be interrupted by timely vaccinations but coverage remains problematic in these areas. Low knowledge or awareness of HBV may play a part in low vaccination coverage. This study examines the provision of antenatal care counselling with a focus on HBV in two different regions of northern Thailand, Sarapee Hospital (SH), Chiang Mai, and Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU), Tak Province.MethodsA mixed-methods sequential explanatory study design was used to evaluate antenatal services for migrants. Cross-sectional knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) surveys were conducted immediately after counselling at first ANC contact, at 3–6 months after first ANC contact and at delivery. Surveys provided quantitative data, and qualitative methods included observations, focus group discussions (FGD) and in-depth interviews (IDI); analysed thematically to explore concepts of knowledge and understanding, attitude and practice of pregnant women and providers.ResultsBetween September-2019 and May-2020, 757 women participated to KAP surveys, and 31 observations of counselling, 16 FGD and 9 IDI were conducted. KAP surveys showed in spite of low knowledge about HBV transmission, infection, or vaccination (correct response: SH 5.7 %, 9/157; SMRU 34.0 %, 204/600), most women (≥ 93 %, either site) understood they were screened for HBV and were willing to vaccinate infants for HBV. In explaining KAP survey results, qualitative analysis suggests counselling should: use the appropriate language; be tailored to the local health literacy level, provide only pertinent information, be repeated over the antenatal period; and attempt to ensure patient privacy (where possible). Programme effectiveness benefits from positive attitudes to screening and vaccinations and a high level of trust in the providers nevertheless participants provided good suggestions for improvements of the service.ConclusionsLimited knowledge of HBV among migrant women can be improved by counselling that emphasizes actionable knowledge such as vaccination schedule. Key improvements to the counselling process include training counsellors to conduct interactive counselling sessions in the woman’s language, using appropriate visual aids and timely repetition over the course of the antenatal period.

Changing trends in seroprevalence rates of transfusion-transmitted diseases among blood donors in Jordan

BackgroundHepatitis B and C infections and transmission are a serious challenge to all healthcare systems. We studied seroprevalence rates of Transfusion Transmitted Diseases (TTD) among blood bank donors in Jordan from 2014 to 2019 as a follow-up study of our previously published work. In addition, we wanted to explore the efficacy of the mandatory vaccination of infants against hepatitis B virus (HBV) which was implemented by the Ministry of Health since 1995 for the eradication of HBV infection in Jordan.MethodsWe reviewed blood bank donors’ records at King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC) from January 1st, 2014, until December 31st, 2019. Results of seropositivity prevalence rates for HBsAg, anti-HBcore, and anti-HCV, using Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA) were compared to seropositivity rates from our previously published data. In addition, our results were compared to data obtained from other blood banks in Jordan, as well as compared to published information from blood banks in neighboring countries.ResultsThe prevalence rates (%) of seropositive blood donors for viral hepatitis for the years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019, were as follows: HBsAg rates were 0.3386, 0.2108, 0.1801, 0.1898, 0.2068, and 0.2741; anti-HBcore rates were 4.1112, 3.2271, 2.9748, 2.8405, 2.6879 and 3.0986; and anti-HCV rates were 0.1129, 0.0486, 0.0548, 0.0654, 0.0782, and 0.0839, respectively. There was a significant increase in the prevalence of HBsAg, Anti-HBcore and Anti-HCV antibodies in 2019 (one sample z-score test, p < 0.00001).ConclusionsPrevalence rates of hepatitis B and C infections among Jordanian blood bank donors showed a steady decline between 2009 and 2017, and these rates were much lower in Jordan than in neighboring countries. However, an increase in the prevalence rates of hepatitis B and C infections among blood bank donors was documented in 2019. While the reasons for this increase are not clear yet, these findings highlight the importance of renewed efforts to increase public health awareness of HBV and implement effective measures to prevent the transmission and infection with HBV, including national vaccination programs.