TY  - BOOK
AU  -  Gambishi, Masalago. D
AU  -  Ngallaba, Sospatro      
AU  - Felix Tarimo
TI  -   Knowledge, attitude and practices on Hepatitis B among healthcare workers in Sekou Toure Regional Referral Hospital and Makongoro Health Centre in Nyamagana District, Mwanza, Tanzania
PY  - 2021///
CY  - Mwanza, Tanzania: 
PB  - Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences [CUHAS – Bugando], Phone: +255 28 298 3384  ,   Fax: +255 28 298 3386  ,   Email: vc@bugando.ac.tz ,   Website: www.bugando.ac.tz 
KW  -  
N2  - Abstract:

Background: Hepatitis B is a serious chronic infection of the liver and caused by hepatitis B virus and is a major global burden. Tanzania is regarded to be a higher-endemic country. The prevalence of hepatitis B infection in the country was reported to be 6% in the general population of Dar es Salaam. Transmission of hepatitis B occurs from infected to be 6% in the general population of Dar es Salaam. Transmission of hepatitis B occurs from infected person through blood transfusion, needle pricks and unprotected sexual intercourse. Healthcare workers are occupationally more prone to acquire the disease. Evaluation of their KAP is very important in the control of the disease.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the KAP towards hepatitis B among HCWs

Methodology: A cross sectional prospective hospital-based study was done in Sekou-Toure reginal hospital and Makongoro health center. A total of 280 HCWs were given self-administered questionnaire to gather the socio-demographic characteristics and the KAP information. The data collected was coded and analyzed using SPSS software version 25.

Results: 86.8% participants replied that HBV was not caused by bacteria.96.1% knew that hepatitis B affects the liver and can lead to liver cancer. 88.5% of the participants decided that their job puts them at risk for hepatitis B infection. Most participants correctly identified the methods of hepatitis B transmission as follows. 92.1% said infected blood and blood products. 88.6% said needle stick injury/cut with sharp object. 76.8% said unsafe sex, 87.9% said pregnant mother to child. Also 74.6% responded correctly that Hepatitis B cannot be transmitted by eating or sharing food with a person infected with hepatitis B, also 92.1% knew that coughing or sneezing cant transmit hepatitis B. 78.9% indicated that they wear gloves for protection during procedures and taking precaution while handling the sample. Only 18% were exposed to needle stick injury for the past twelve months during their job. 96.4% of the respondents were aware that hepatitis B vaccine is available and 655 said they were vaccinated. Only 38.6% were fully vaccinated. 92.8% of the participants declared that hepatitis B vaccine is safe and effective in preventing hepatitis B infection and 92.9% believed that it’s necessary for them to receive hepatitis B vaccine. More than 90% of the participants revealed that they do not avoid meeting with HBV patients.

Conclusion: Result from current study shows maximum numbers of people believe that they were at risk of getting HBV. In contrast, quite high number of respondents strongly agreed that HBV vaccine helps to prevent from getting HBV but vast majority of the participants responded that they dad never received vaccine against HBV. Moreover, the survey indicates that only few have completed the three doses. Therefore, in the light of the result it is important to run an extensive health education program and encourage vaccination to prevent further spreading of HBV within the community

ER  -