Knowledge of viral hepatitis B among healthcare workers

Healthcare workers are at an increased risk of hepatitis B virus infection due to frequent contact with patients’ bodily fluids. Studies indicate that healthcare workers may experience between 1 and 3 needle stick or sharp object injuries per year, each incident increasing the risk of infection with blood-borne viruses, including hepatitis B. A sample of 318 primary healthcare workers was interviewed, including 87 doctors and 231 nurses. Th e collected data was analyzed using EpiInfo 7.2 soft ware. Among the healthcare workers who participated in this study, 276 (86.79%) had adequate knowledge about HBV transmission routes, including 89.77% of doctors and 85.72% of nurses. It is noteworthy that some workers are unaware of HBV transmission routes, mentioning transmission through kissing – 60 people (18.87%, [95% CI 14.80% - 23.58%]), through coughing and sneezing – 17 people (3.35%, [95% CI 3.14% - 8.41%]), by drinking from a glass already used by an infected person – 34 people (10.69%, [95% CI 7.54% - 14.56%]), while sharing meals – 14 people (4.40%, [95% CI 2.44% - 7.27%]), through vegetables and fruits – 10 people (3.14%, [95% CI 1.52% - 5.70%]). Th e level of knowledge about the HBV transmission pathway observed in this study is relatively adequate, but at the same time, significant gaps in knowledge about the risks of HBV transmission were highlighted.