Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection and Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus DNA
Published on: December 15, 2023
Knowledge, attitudes and practice of Iranian medical specialists regarding hepatitis B and C
Ali Kabir1, Seyed Vahid Tabatabaei, Siamak Khaleghi
1Nikan Health Researchers Institute, Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Insights
Physicians show high concern for hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) but lack knowledge on transmission and protection. Continuous training is essential to improve practices and reduce needlestick injuries among healthcare workers.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Healthcare workers (HCWs) face risks of contracting and spreading hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV).
- Physicians' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding HBV and HCV are crucial for infection control.
- Understanding these factors is vital for preventing occupational transmission in healthcare settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of physicians concerning HBV and HCV.
- To identify gaps in understanding transmission routes, prevalence, and post-exposure prophylaxis.
- To inform targeted educational interventions for physicians.
Main Methods:
- A 29-item questionnaire assessed knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors.
- Distributed to 450 physicians across five specialties in Iran (dentists, general practitioners, paraclinicians, surgeons, internists).
- 369 questionnaires were completed (82% response rate) in 2009.
Main Results:
- Physicians demonstrated moderate to low knowledge of HBV/HCV transmission and needlestick injury risks.
- High concern levels were reported for contracting HBV (69.4%) and HCV (76.3%).
- Vaccination rates for HBV were high (88.1%), but only 60% monitored antibody levels; underreporting of needlestick injuries was common (72%).
Conclusions:
- Despite high concern, physicians' knowledge regarding HBV/HCV transmission, protection, and post-exposure management is insufficient.
- Awareness of post-exposure prophylaxis can reduce underreporting of needlestick injuries.
- Continuous education on transmission, protection, vaccination, and antibody monitoring is necessary for physicians.
Background And Aims:
Health care workers (HCWs) are at risk of contracting and spreading hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) to others. The aim of this study was to evaluate knowledge, attitudes and behavior of physicians concerning HBV and HCV.
Methods:
A 29-item questionnaire (reliability coefficient = 0.7) was distributed at two national/regional congresses and two university hospitals in Iran. Five medical groups (dentists, general practitioners, paraclinicians, surgeons and internists) received 450 questionnaires in 2009, of which 369 questionnaires (82%) were filled out.
Results:
Knowledge about routes of transmission of HBV and HCV, prevalence rate and seroconversion rates secondary to a needlestick injury was moderate to low. Concern about being infected with HBV and HCV was 69.4±2.1 and 76.3±2 (out of 100), respectively. Complete HBV vaccination was done on 88.1% of the participants. Sixty percent had checked their hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs), and 83.8% were positive. Only 24% of the surgeons often used double gloves and 28% had reported a needlestick. There was no significant correlation between the different specialties and: concern about HBV and HCV; the underreporting of needlestick injuries; and correct knowledge of post-needlestick HBV infection.
Conclusions:
Although our participants were afraid of acquiring HBV and HCV, knowledge about routes of transmission, prevalence, protection and post-exposure seroconversion rates was unsatisfactory. By making physicians aware of possible post-exposure prophylaxis, the underreporting of needlestick injuries could be eliminated. Continuous training about HBV and HCV transmission routes, seroconversion rates, protection, as well as hepatitis B vaccination and checking the anti-HBs level, is a matter of necessity.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Hepatitis
01:28Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction
01:26Standard Precaution
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:22Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test
01:28Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...