A cross-sectional study to assess the awareness of hepatitis B virus infection in auxiliary staff of a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is 50-100 times more infectious than HIV and this communicable disease can be prevented by vaccination. Auxiliary staff (class IV workers) of a hospital is one of the most important health workers who work at ground level and are directly or indirectly exposed to blood and body fluids in the course of their work and therefore are at high risk of infection with blood-borne pathogens. They are expected to have an optimum level of awareness toward HBV infection. This study was conducted with the aim to study the awareness about HBV infection, and its transmission, vaccination and protective practices among auxiliary staff.Methods: A cross‑sectional descriptive study was carried out in 220 auxiliary staff of a tertiary care hospital in Maharashtra, using a pretested, pre-validated questionnaire.Results: Out of 220 respondents 146 had heard about HBV infection. Out of 146 respondents, 89 were aware about >1 routes of transmission, 135 heard about vaccination and 70 had taken 3 doses of vaccination. Almost all took protective measures at work-place.Conclusions: The results showed that respondents had inadequate awareness about of HBV infection, routes of transmission and vaccination.