ORIGINAL: Knowledge of Hepatitis B Vaccine and Vaccination Status of Theatre Personnel at ATBUTH, Bauchi

West African Journal of Medicine 2024 February; 41(2): 191-196 PMID: 38583065

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B virus infection affects millions of people worldwide and is transmitted vertically and through contact with infected blood or body fluids. Frontline Healthcare workers are at increased risk of contracting HBV infection and the HBV vaccine is a crucial preventive measure recommended by WHO to safeguard healthcare workers.

Objectives: To investigate the awareness and knowledge of hepatitis B virus infection, to evaluate current vaccination status among theatre personnel, and to identify factors influencing vaccine uptake.

Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study conducted among 85 theatre personnel of ATBUTH Bauchi. Convenience sampling method was used to select participants, each participant gave consent to participate in this study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data, which was analysed using SPSS version 25.

Result: Hepatitis B virus vaccine is safe according to 85% of respondents, 92% agreed that they would recommend the vaccine to other surgical staff and that it should be given as part of workplace safety. However, only 33% of respondents had completed their vaccination, while 31% had not started. The main reasons given for not being vaccinated were because they had no time to attend and did not know about the vaccine or did not have enough information regarding it.

Conclusion: The majority of study respondents were aware of and had a good knowledge of HBV and its' vaccine. However, vaccination status is very low among theatre personnel of ATBUTH Bauchi. Healthcare workers should be enlightened about the benefits of the HBV vaccine.