Online survey: knowledge about risks, prevention and consequences of infections with HBV among travellers from four...

To evaluate knowledge about risks, prevention and consequences of infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) among travellers from four low HBV risk, European countries.

Individuals from an internet panel and based in the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden were invited to take part in an online survey. A total of 4203 respondents met the inclusion criteria and completed the survey.

The majority (62.3%) of respondents did not know the main travel destinations with moderate or high prevalence for HBV. Also, 20.1% were somewhat or very unaware of the ways in which HBV can be caught and travellers aged 18-35 years were significantly more likely (p < 0.01) to have participated in at least one risky activity abroad. Three-quarters (74.9%) thought they were somewhat or very aware of the health implications of contracting HBV, but only 11.8% of participants selected more than three out of the six correct answers relating to conditions caused by HBV. Only 39.3% of those who knew their vaccination status had received vaccination against HBV within the previous 5 years, although some patients may have been vaccinated prior to this period.

As country-specific variables were not analysed in this study, the results do not allow interpretation by country. A high proportion of the respondents were at an elevated risk of HBV infection while visiting moderate or high prevalence countries. They were unlikely to be immunised or take appropriate precautions; participation in risk activities abroad was high, and knowledge of HBV was limited. These findings indicate there is a need for healthcare professionals and the travel industry to educate travellers on the risks of HBV infections while abroad and the importance of preventing infection through vaccination.