Knowledge, Attitude, Practices, and Associated Factor towards Hepatitis B Virus Infection among Health Care Professionals at Tibebe Ghion Specialized Hospital, Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia, 2021: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the major infectious hazard for health care personnel. The global prevalence of HBV infection is highly heterogeneous, and the highest prevalence (6.2 and 6.1%) is among the World Health Organization Western Pacific and World Health Organization African regions, respectively. The pooled prevalence of HBV in Ethiopia among health workers was accounted for 5%. The prevalence rate of HBV in health care workers is about 2–10 times higher than the general population in the world. There for, the main aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice, and associated factors towards hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among health care professionals at Tibebe Ghion Specialized Hospital, Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia, 2021. Method. An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was at Tibebe Ghion Specialized Hospital, Bahir Dar, in 2021, and a systematic random sampling technique was used from different professionals, and the separate sample was taken independently from each. A pretested structured questionnaire was constructed and collects data then analyzed by using SPSS version 23. Result. A total of 422 health care workers having different professions have participated in this study. 243 (57.6%) of the study subjects were males. The average correctly answered knowledge, attitude, and practice questions were 65.6%, 40.3%, and 34.8, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that being nurse professionals ( A O R = 0.17 (0.07, 0.38), P < 0.001 ), midwives ( A O R = 0.19 (0.07, 0.5), P = 0.001 ), and work experience ( A O R = 2.37 (1.38, 4.02), P = 0.002 ) were associated with knowledge levels. Being degree holders ( A O R = 2.49 (1.23, 5.02), P = 0.01 ) and specialists ( A O R = 9.78 (2.69, 35.5), P = 0.001 ) were associated with attitude levels. Being medical laboratories ( A O R = 17.42 (5.02, 60.5), P ≤ 0.001 ) and pharmacy professionals ( A O R = 11.2 (4.02, 31.42), P ≤ 0.001 ) were associated with practice levels. Conclusion and Recommendation. Based on the current study, most of the health care professionals in this study area have poor knowledge, negative attitude, and malpractice towards HBV infection. Therefore, continual professional training programs on HBV infection include increased vaccination coverage rate and postexposure prophylaxis of heath care workers especially for highly exposed professionals.

‘We are willing, but we have challenges’: Qualitative enquiry on midwives’ views on factors influencing the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B program

“…In this study, some participants had misconceptions about the mode of transmission and treatment options available for pregnant women with HBV. These findings agree with other studies that reported unsatisfactory knowledge of HBV among healthcare personnel ( Adjei et al, 2022 ; Belete et al, 2022 ; Chen et al, 2018 ; Freeman, Chea & Shobayo, 2023 ). Specifically, some of the participants believed that sweat was a medium for the transmission of HBV, contrary to what was reported by Schillie et al (2018) .…”

“…At the healthcare worker level, studies have reported unsatisfactory knowledge of HBV and its transmission and treatment options for infected pregnant women ( Adjei, Nachinab, Atibila, Ansah-Nyarko, Kyei & Fosu, 2022 ; Belete, Wondale, Kiros & Demissie, 2022 ; Freeman, Chea & Shobayo, 2023 ). The unsatisfactory knowledge and lack of awareness have largely been attributed to a lack of training and continuous education for healthcare personnel, who are major stakeholders in the PMTCT program ( Moturi et al, 2018 ).…”

Hepatitis B in Ethiopia: Viral Load, Affordability, and Patient Perspectives at a Tertiary Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

“…Overall, 38.3% of respondents had a positive attitude toward HBV infection, while 61.7% had a negative attitude. This result is lower than those of studies conducted in Bahirdar, Ethiopia (40.3% positive, 59.7% negative) (20), Gondar, Ethiopia (43.8% positive, 56.2% negative) (35), and Jordan (40% positive, 60% negative) (36). The differences may be due to the study participants; this study involved HBV-infected individuals, while the other studies involved health professionals who generally have a better attitude toward the virus.…”

“…The mean knowledge level was 31%, with half of the participants scoring below the mean (poor knowledge) and the other half above the mean (good knowledge). This result contrasts with studies in Bahirdar, Ethiopia, where 65.6% had good knowledge and 34.4% had poor knowledge (20), and in Northwest Ethiopia, where 80% had good knowledge and 20% had poor knowledge (19). In Khartoum, Sudan, 58% knew about HBV (33).…”

“…Due to low HBV vaccine uptake and a high risk of blood exposure, health profession trainees are at high risk of HBV infection (19). In Ethiopia, there is insu cient understanding and inappropriate behavior regarding HBV among the population, including healthcare practitioners (20).…”