Study on awareness and factors encouraging hepatitis B vaccination: The SAFE-hepatitis B vaccination study

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses a significant threat to healthcare workers (HCWs), leading to acute and chronic liver diseases. Vaccination against HBV is pivotal in preventing transmission among HCWs, yet there's a lack of comprehensive data on their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding HBV vaccination. The aim of this study was to assess KAP about HBV vaccination among HCWs in a tertiary care teaching hospital in western India, aiming to inform the implementation of HBV vaccination programs.

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted over 12 months, involving 412 HCWs from various roles. A self-administered questionnaire covering demographic information, HBV-related knowledge, practices, and vaccination status was used. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics and appropriate tests through SPSS 26.0.

Of 412 respondents, the majority 384 (93.2%) reported receiving HBV vaccination, with 56.3% completely vaccinated. HCWs demonstrated good knowledge of HBV transmission sources (94.9%) and progression to liver cirrhosis/cancer (92.7%). However, there were gaps in knowledge regarding prevention and cure, with 55.1% believing HBV infection cannot be cured. Practice-wise, most HCWs (85.7%) lacked formal training on HBV, and only half had undergone HBV testing.

While HCWs had good knowledge of HBV transmission, gaps exist in understanding prevention and cure. Vaccination coverage is relatively high, but incomplete vaccination remains an issue. The lack of formal training highlights the need for advocacy and periodic educational interventions to enhance HBV awareness and vaccination among HCWs.