HEPATITIS B VACCINATION: KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE IN GEORGIA

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Georgia faces a high prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
• The national hepatitis B vaccination program began in 2002, leaving most reproductive-aged women unvaccinated in childhood.
• Limited awareness and low vaccination rates pose a significant public health challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the knowledge, awareness, and vaccination status of hepatitis B infection among reproductive-aged women in Georgia.
• To identify gaps in understanding HBV prevention, transmission, and treatment options.
• To inform targeted public health interventions for this demographic.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted in Tbilisi, Georgia, involving 2185 reproductive-aged women recruited from maternity centers.
• Data were collected via self-administered questionnaires covering socio-demographics, HBV vaccination history, and awareness of HBV infection.
• Statistical analysis was performed to compare knowledge and awareness across different age groups and among women with reported HBV infection.

Main Results:

• 20% of women had never heard of HBV, and only 3.3% knew their infection status.
• Awareness of HBV prevention methods (vaccination, condom use) and treatment was significantly limited.
• Only 10% of participants reported receiving the hepatitis B vaccine, with lower awareness among younger women and those with HBV infection.

Conclusions:

• Reproductive-aged women in Georgia exhibit very low knowledge regarding hepatitis B infection and vaccination.
• Maternity care centers present a vital opportunity for HBV screening, counseling, and vaccination promotion.
• Enhanced health education initiatives are essential to improve HBV awareness and vaccination uptake in Georgia.