Knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding hepatitis B virus among healthcare workers in Beira City, Mozambique

Hepatitis B is a disease transmitted through blood and other body fluids. In addition to vaccination, knowledge about the disease and appropriate practices help healthcare workers to prevent the disease. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of healthcare workers in Beira City, Mozambique.

This is a cross-sectional study, carried out in 4 health units in Beira City, Mozambique. It took place between June and August 2020. The sampling was systematically random, involving healthcare workers in direct contact with patients. A structured questionnaire was used to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices.

Of the 315 healthcare workers who took part in the study, the majority were nurses (125, 39.8%). The averages for correctly answered knowledge, attitude, and practice questions were 69.6%, 92.0%, and 54.8%, respectively. Physicians obtained the highest average percentage of correct items in all questions (85.3%) related to HBV knowledge and the nurse had highest attitude score (93.2%). Laboratory technicians were more correct about safe practices for HBV (60.1%). Workers in the medical department showed better knowledge of HBV compared to those working in the laboratory MR 0.84 (95% CI; 0.73-0.97), pediatrics MR 0.74 (95% CI; 0.62-0.89), outpatient consultations MR 0.89 (95% CI; 0.81-0.98), and other departments RM 0.80 (95% CI; 0.70-0.91. Those who had PCI training had better knowledge MR 0.88 (0.80-0.98) and practice 0.94 (0.91-0.98).

This study showed moderate knowledge and good attitudes about HBV among health workers. Practices regarding HBV were mediocre for all health workers. The data from this study highlight the need for training and the provision of materials and guidelines for the prevention and management of HBV as part of strategies to eliminate HBV as a public health problem.