Knowledge Of Hepatitis B Virus Infection Research Articles

Impact of Virtual Seminars on Hepatitis B Knowledge and Attitudes Among Preclinical-Year Medical Students.

Background A limited understanding of hepatitis B virus (HBV) disease transmission contributes to fear of routine contact and can stigmatize affected individuals. To reduce potential HBV-related discrimination, there is a need to increase awareness among medical students on HBV knowledge and transmission. We aimed to assess the impact of virtual education seminars on first- and second-year medical students' understanding of HBV and their attitudes toward HBV infection. Methods Pre- and post-seminar surveys were designed and administered to first- and second-year medical studentsin the February and August 2021 virtual HBV seminars to assess basic knowledge and attitudes toward HBV infection. The seminars consisted of a lecture on HBV followed by case study discussions. Paired samples t-test and McNemar's test for paired proportional differences were used for analysis. Results This study included 24 first-year and 16 second-year medical students who completed both pre- and post-seminar surveys. After attending the seminar, participants demonstrated an increase in correct responses totransmission modes including vertical transmission (p≤0.001) and sharing razors or toothbrushes (p=0.031) rather than sharing utensils or shaking hands (p<0.01). Using 5-point Likert means, improved attitudes were observed in concerns of shaking hands or hugging (pre=2.4, post=1.3, p<0.001) and caring for someone with infection (pre=1.55, post=1.18, p=0.009), and acceptance of an HBV-infected coworker in the same workplace (pre = 4.13, post= 4.78, p<0.001). Conclusion The virtual education seminars clarify misconceptions about transmission and bias towards individuals with HBV infection. Implementation of educational seminars in medical students' training is important to improve overall knowledge of HBV infection.

A cross-sectional survey on the rate of awareness of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and the prevention of mother-to-child transmission among hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive pregnant women.

BackgroundMother-to-child transmission (MTCT) remains the main transmission route of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in China. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive pregnant women were the main participants in MTCT of HBV. Nevertheless, little was known about their knowledge and awareness of HBV infection and MTCT. We intended to evaluate their knowledge of HBV infection and MTCT prevention, and to clarify the emphasis of health education to improve the control of MTCT of HBV.MethodsWe invited 164 HBsAg-positive pregnant women, who were aged ≥18 years old, had basic literacy skills and visited the Outpatient Clinic of Infectious Disease of the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital from May 2019 to January 2020, to independently and anonymously complete a self-administered survey regarding their knowledge of HBV infection and MTCT prevention. The correct rate of the questions was calculated and analyzed. A multivariate regression was conducted to identify predictors of HBV and MTCT knowledge and awareness.ResultsThe average awareness rate of the 164 respondents was 52.56%, among which the awareness rates of basic knowledge and the transmission route of HBV were 80.49% and 53.29%, respectively. The awareness rates of knowledge about the interruption measures of MTCT during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum were 43.78%, 49.75%, and 31.25%, respectively. The respondents who had a college education level or above, were employed, and had visited the outpatient Department of Infectious Disease before pregnancy had a significantly higher awareness rate. Previous visits to the Department of Infectious Disease were the only influencing factor for the higher awareness rate (OR =3.108, P=0.049).ConclusionsA lack of knowledge about the transmission route and interruption measures of MTCT of HBV is still common among HBsAg-positive pregnant women. Health education should be directed toward HBsAg-positive mothers to further improve the control of HBV infection.

Hepatitis B virus knowledge and vaccination status among health-care workers in Calabar, Nigeria

Background and Objectives: The World Health Organization estimates that 2 million health-care workers (HCWs) are at risk of occupational exposure to hepatitis B virus (HBV), with the majority (90%) of such infections arising in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to determine HBV knowledge and vaccination uptake among HCWs. Materials and Method: This was a cross sectional analytical study conducted among 392 HCWs from two major health institutions in Calabar i.e. the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) and the General Hospital Calabar (GHC), Cross river State. Multi-staged sampling method comprising of two stages was used to recruit participants into the study. The study population comprised of doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists/technologist, and other categories of HCWs such as pharmacists, ward orderlies, and mortuary attendants. A semi-structured self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain data on the socio-demographic characteristics of HCWs, the knowledge of HCWs regarding HBV and vaccine. The analysis of data was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20. Study Design: This was a cross-sectional, study of HCWs in Calabar. Sampling Method: Multi-staged sampling method was used to select participants from two major health institutions in Calabar, i.e., the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) and the General Hospital Calabar (GHC). Thereafter, through balloting, simple random sampling technique was used to recruit the participants. Study Population: Three hundred and ninety-two HCWs were recruited from UCTH and GHC under the following categories: doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists/technologist, and other categories of HCWs such as pharmacists, ward orderlies, and mortuary attendants. Data Management: A semi-structured self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain data on the socio-demographic characteristics of HCWs, the knowledge of HCWs regarding HBV and vaccine. The analysis of data was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20. Results: Overall, 67.9% of the respondents were found to have adequate knowledge of HBV vaccination and infection. Less than half (43.4%) of HCWs admitted receiving three doses (i.e., full coverage) of the vaccine. Difficulty in accessing the vaccine (48, 23.4%) was identified as the major reason given for suboptimal vaccination. Conclusion: The knowledge of HBV infection and vaccination is quite modest among HCWs in Calabar. Despite this observation, the vaccination status among HCWs is unsatisfactory. The implication of the findings of our study for health policy and practice is to prevent further occupational exposure of HCWs to HBV infection through mandatory vaccination.

Predisposing Factors to HBV Among Pregnant Women Attending Some Hospitals in Suburbs of Kano, Nigeria

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) when transmitted vertically can be severe on neonates and life threatening. Among others, risk factors for HBV include unprotected sex, needle-stick injuries and blood transfusion. The study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of HBV markers and associated risk factors among one hundred and sixty consenting pregnant women attending some hospitals in Kano, Nigeria. Using enzymelinked immunoassay, sera were screened for HBV sero-markers and structured questionnaires were administered to obtain sociodemographic data and possible predisposing factors to HBV infection. Of the five HBV markers known, participants tested positive for four, which include HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAb and HBcAb. All were seronegative for HBeAg. Ninety three percent (93.1%) tested positive for at least one HBV marker and 6.9% were seronegative for all markers. Among those that tested positive for HBsAg, 54.5% (p=0.33) were housewives, 36.4% (p=0.53) had only primary school education, 72.7% (p=0.14) were middle-class, none had previous knowledge of HBV infection and its mode of transmission, 54.5% (p=0.14) regularly shares sharp objects, 45.5% (p=0.37) had ear or nose piercing, and 9.1% (p=0.01) regularly shares towel and underwear. A large percentage of the study group had history of the infection while only 1.3% of the subjects were vaccinated. Sociodemographic background of the participants, low vaccination coverage and certain risk factors like the sharing of unsterilized sharp objects seem to aid the moderately high prevalence of HBV in this study. The study also revealed that the risk of mother-to-child HBV transmission is low in the study area and that incomplete vaccination may not confer artificial immunity against HBV infection.

새터민의 B형간염 인식과 지식에 관한 연구

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify awareness and knowledge about hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among North Korean immigrants who had resided in South Korea. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, community based study. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 198 North Korean immigrants aged 18 years old through 65 years old among those who had attended community centers, local churches, and gathering places in four cities. The questionnaire included 15 items about participants’ knowledge on HBV infection and its consequences, mode of transmission, and preventive measures. Results: The mean score of HBV knowledge was 6.3±3.8 (range 0~15). The items that over 60% of the respondents checked correct answer regarding knowledge about HBV were ‘There is blood screening for hepatitis B infection’, ‘Hepatitis B can be transmitted through sharing needles with infected person’. Multivariate analysis showed that received education for the prevention of HBV infection and disease morbidity were significantly associated with the knowledge of HBV infection. Overall, approximately 11% of total variability in the knowledge of HBV infection could be explained by the 2 variables in this model (R 2 =.109, p<.001). Conclusion: The results showed that North Korean immigrants need more education on HBV infection and prevention to improve their knowledge about HBV.

Abstract A53: Revisiting the importance of a culturally integrated liver cancer education program among Asian Americans

Abstract Background: Asian Americans are at high risk of contracting the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Culturally integrated liver cancer educational program has increased HBV knowledge which leads to HBV screening, vaccinations, and treatment, which reduce cancer health disparities from HBV infection. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of culturally integrated education program on HBV knowledge as opposed to a stand-alone video education program. Methods: Asian American adults were recruited from community-based organizations (Study 1) and from Pan Asian Volunteer Health Clinic (Study 2) in the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan area. 441 participants in Study 1 received the 30-minute intervention program including power point presentation with Q &amp; A, role play video, and distribution of photonovel. In Study 2, 276 participants watched the 10-minute video presentation without any interaction with the staff. Both intervention programs focus on general knowledge of the HBV, the importance of vaccinations, and follow-up for those infected. All participants completed baseline survey after signing the informed consent. Then they received two different education programs either a culturally integrated program or a video presentation. After the education program, they completed a post-education survey. The outcome measures were correct answers to knowledge questions related to HBV infection, including the modes of HBV transmission (10 questions) and sequelae of chronic HBV (7 questions). Paired sample t-test was used. Results: The culturally integrated education program was more effective than the video education. It increased their knowledge of HBV infection appreciably (4.18 vs 1.31 for mode of transmission, p&amp;lt;.001; 2.06 vs. 0.69 for sequelae, p&amp;lt;.001). In the pretest, less than one fourth of the participants had the correct answer to two questions: (1) eating food that had been pre-chewed by an infected person; and (2) breast feeding from an infected mother. Only one third knew that HBV is significantly more contagious than HIV/AIDS. Conclusion: This study suggests that it is very critical to implement the culturally integrated education program to reduce liver cancer health disparities among Asian Americans. Citation Format: Hee-Soon Juon, Frederic Kim, Patrick Lam. Revisiting the importance of a culturally integrated liver cancer education program among Asian Americans. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr A53.

Knowledge and awareness regarding hepatitis B among preclinical medical and dental students of Chitwan Medical College Nepal: a questionnaire-based study

Background: The knowledge of students regarding hepatitis B virus (HBV) before attending clinical years, when their daily activities will be closely related to patients’ body fluids, plays vital role in minimizing the risk of acquiring HBV infection. Objective: We aimed to assess the knowledge regarding HBV infection, its mode of transmission, and prevention among preclinical medical and dental students. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured self-administered questionnaire among the students of Chitwan Medical College, Nepal. A descriptive statistics along with Z ratio was used to analyze the obtained data. Results: Among 313 completely filled questionnaires, respondents gave 87% correct answers regarding the knowledge of HBV infection and 89.6% on its preventive aspect. However, only 73.5% participants were vaccinated for HBV. The blood and blood products (50%) followed by sexual contact (31%) were common mode of transmission reported. Compared to first year, significantly better knowledge was found among second year medical students regarding the infectious/transmissible nature of hepatitis B disease (p = 0.004), its causative agent (p = 0.004), and mandatory screening for HBV of blood donor before transfusion (p = 0.02). Conclusion: The students had good knowledge regarding HBV infection and its preventive aspect. All students should be mandatorily vaccinated before attending the clinical years.

Assessing the level of awareness and vaccination status of Hepatitis B among young female community of Pakistan

Objectives: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health problem with about 2 billion infected persons. Pakistan is one of the endemic areas for viral hepatitis B. Prevention is merely a safe approach rather than curing against high incidence of viral hepatitis. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the knowledge and awareness of HBV infection, its prevention and transmission, perception of HBV vaccine and vaccination status among young females of Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted from Oct till Dec 2014 by adopting a pre-validated questionnaire distributed to female individuals in Karachi, Pakistan. Descriptive statistics were used to demonstrate students’ demographic information and their response to the questionnaire items. Kruskal Wallis H test was executed to evaluate the association of age and educational status of the respondents with their response. A p-value &lt;0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Out of 550 survey questionnaires, only 434 were returned back in useable form. Hence the response rate was 78.9%. More than 90% had knowledge of HBV infection and 85.94% knew that HBV infection can be prevented by vaccination. However, only 17% had received HBV vaccination during childhood. 67.05% and 54.60% knew that HBV can be transmitted from mother to infant and an infected mother may transmit hepatitis B to her newborn baby through breast milk respectively. Only 24% had been tested for HBV in adulthood. General excuses for not having their HBV status tested, were lack of motivation (36.76%) and lack of time to check (21.54%). Conclusion: It indicates that majority of respondents showed some awareness of HBV and its related consequences. Yet, there are some misapprehensions regarding the attitudes that imitate a fallacy perception of the disease. It identifies a more standardized approach coupled with the well-structured health education programs pointing out such misconceptions.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.14(4) 2015 p.376-383

Hepatitis B Vaccination Rate among Medical Students at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (Upth)

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection causes significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Occupational exposure of health care workers and medical students increases their risk of acquiring HBV infection, and many authorities recommend vaccination. However, significant proportions of health care workers do not receive HBV immunization, and remain at increased risk to HBV infection. Objective: To determine the hepatitis B vaccination rate among Medical students at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) and to determine their knowledge of HBV infection. Result: Three hundred and sixteen medical students at UPTH completed self-administered questionnaires which included questions about demographic characteristics, HBV vaccination status, knowledge of hepatitis B vaccine and reasons for not receiving the vaccine. All (100%) of the respondents had heard of hepatitis B vaccine. Two hundred and twenty two (70.2%) of them thought they were at risk of acquiring hepatitis. Two hundred and seventy (85.4%) had received at least one dose of hepatitis B vaccine while 46 (14.6%) had never received the vaccine. One hundred and ten of the respondents had received 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine, giving a vaccination rate of 34.8%. One hundred and sixteen (36.7%) had received 2 doses, while 44 (13.9%) had received one dose. There was a statistical significant relationship among marital status (p = 0.01), clinical level (p = 0.02) and hepatitis B vaccine uptake. Conclusion: The hepatitis B vaccination rate among medical students at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital is low. National and institutional legislation for adult vaccination against Hepatitis B should be promulgated for those at higher risk.

Seroprevalences of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus among participants of an Asian health fair in the Lower Mainland, British Columbia.

The seroprevalences of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are 0.4% and 0.8%, respectively, in Canada, but varying rates have been reported in different populations. To determine the seroprevalences of HBV and HCV among attendees of an Asian health fair in the Lower Mainland, British Columbia, as well as to correlate questionnaire answers regarding vaccination status to serological profiles. Attendees at an Asian health fair were invited to participate in the present study on a voluntary basis. They provided answers to a questionnaire including ethnicity and vaccination status. Blood was then drawn for HBV and HCV serology. Active HBV was defined as HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) positive while HCV seroprevalence was defined as HCV antibody reactive. Previous exposure to HBV was defined as HBV core antibody (anti-HBc) positive and HBsAg negative. Nonimmunity was defined as anti-HBc negative and HBV surface antibody negative. Only those with correct demographic information matched to serological results were included in the study. There were 192 consenting attendees of the fair, of whom 112 were included in the study. Of the participants, 91% were Chinese. Active HBV infection was found in three participants (2.7% [95% CI 0.6% to 7.6%]) and HCV infection was found in two participants (1.8% [95% CI 0.2% to 6.3%]). More than 40% of participants had been previously exposed to HBV (42% [95% CI 33% to 51%]). Almost 20% demonstrated nonimmunity to HBV (19% [95% CI 12% to 27%]). There was significant discordance when questionnaire answers regarding vaccination status were compared with serological profiles. The seroprevalences of HBV and HCV in this cohort were 2.7% and 1.8%, respectively - higher than nationally reported rates. Our results highlight that the lack of knowledge of HBV infection and vaccination status remains a significant clinical issue in the Asian community of British Columbia.

Awareness And Preventive Measures Against Hepatitis B Virus Infection Among Dental Surgeons In Lagos State

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the awareness of Hepatitis B Virus(HBV) infection among Dental Surgeons in Lagos state and to identify preventive measures adopted against HBV infection.Materials and Methods: 220 structured self-administered questionnaires about knowledge of HBV and infection control measures were distributed to Dentists in Lagos University Teaching Hospital; Lagos State University Teaching Hospital; Military Hospital, Yaba, Lagos; Military Hospital, Bonny Camp, Victoria Island, Lagos; Randle General Hospital, Surulere, Lagos; General Hospital Lagos and 12 Private Dental Clinics. The response rate was 85 percent.Results: A high level of awareness and knowledge of HBV infection was demonstrated in this study compared to previous studies.22 15 This however did not translate into a commensurate increase in crossinfection control practices. 71 percent of Dentists usually took a detailed medical history of their patients. 66.3 percent had been vaccinated against Hepatitis B Virus; 94.5 percent wore and changed gloves during treatment and 100 percent in between patients; 36 percent wore and changed face masks during treatment and in between patients. 66.9 percent used autoclaves for sterilization, 62 percent had special containers for sharps disposal while 50% always used sterilization wrappers. Only 26 percent always disinfected working surfaces in between patients. Based on these responses, only a small percentage of Dentists in this sample were considered to be compliantwith an inventory of standard infection control procedures.Conclusions: There is a great need in Lagos, perhaps in Nigeria as a whole for the adoption and implementation of standard infection procedures and the provision of formal and obligatory infection control courses and guidelines for Dental Surgeons by the Ministry of Health and the Dental Association, in addition to distribution of standard infection control manuals that incorporate current infection control recommendations.Keywords: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Occupational Hazard, Cross Infection, Post Exposure prophylaxis (PEP), Dental Surgeons.

Differences in Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Hepatitis B Infection and Vaccination Between Adolescents in Juvenile Detention Centers and in Schools in South Korea

This study explored the level of knowledge and attitudes toward hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and vaccination of adolescents in juvenile detention facilities and in schools in South Korea. A cross-sectional comparison design with a convenient sampling method was used. Participants in the study were 301 delinquent and 410 school adolescents. The results showed that knowledge of HBV infection among juvenile detention adolescents was significantly lower but there was no difference between groups in attitudes toward infection and vaccination.

Differences in Knowledge of Hepatitis B Among Korean Immigrants in Two Cities in the Rocky Mountain Region

To assess knowledge and attitude toward hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among Korean immigrants in two cities in the Rocky Mountain region and to determine whether sociodemographic and cultural factors are related to the level of HBV knowledge. Community-based participatory study was conducted in five Korean churches in the Rocky Mountain region to develop baseline data on HBV infection and vaccination behavior. All documents, including announcements, brochures, consent forms, and questionnaires were in Korean and English, and trained Korean interviewers collected the surveys by reviewing the questionnaires with participants at the churches. Knowledge of HBV infection was low and city of residence did not have a statistically significant impact on HBV infection knowledge. In the total sample, 62% identified transmission by sharing utensils and 21% believed that HBV was hereditary, while only 21% thought that HBV was spread through sexual contact. The majority of participants (61%) rated their English level as "minimum". Knowledge of HBV infection was found to be associated with both demographic and acculturation factors (p < .05). This study found not only a low level of knowledge of HBV infection but also misunderstanding of the risks of HBV infection. Knowledge of HBV infection was significantly associated with education and acculturation; therefore, culturally sensitive and group-tailored public health education for Korean and other Asian American Pacific Islanders should be developed to clarify misconceptions and misunderstandings about HBV infection.

Hepatitis B Infection and Vaccination Among High-Risk Noninjection Drug-Using Women: Baseline Data From the UNITY Study

Few studies of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and hepatitis B vaccination have focused on women, and specifically, women who are at high risk. This study was designed to assess the extent of HBV infection and vaccination, level of knowledge about hepatitis B, motivators and barriers to accepting vaccination and uptake of hepatitis B vaccine. From March 2005 to June 2006, 402 HIV-negative noninjection drug-using women at sexual risk were recruited, interviewed, and tested for markers of HBV infection. Based on serologic testing, 16.7% were previously vaccinated against HBV, 31.1% were previously infected and 52.2% were still susceptible to HBV. Knowledge of HBV infection, transmission, and prevention was low with a mean of 6.1 of 12 knowledge items correctly identified as true or false; a substantial percent of women were not sure of the correct answer. Of the women still susceptible, 69.0% started the hepatitis B vaccine series after counseling given through the study. This study illustrates that there continues to be gaps in current strategies for administering hepatitis B vaccine among female populations at sexual risk. Interventions are needed for this population to increase awareness and knowledge of hepatitis B, its transmission, impact on health and the availability of a safe and effective vaccine, supplemented by community programs for adult vaccination.