Awareness about hepatitis B infection among the grass root level health and family planning workers in a selected health complex at Dhaka district

Background

Regarding their awareness about Hepatitis B infection.

Methods

This descriptive cross sectional study was carried out amongst 145 health and family planning workers of Tejgaon Thana complex. Mohakhali, Dhaka. The health workers were selected randomly and a structured questionnaire was used as research instrument. A score sheet was prepared to assess the level of awareness.

Results

The mean age of workers was 22.12 years with standard deviation of 4.2 years. Majority of them were H.S.C (39.60%) and S.S.C (42.76%) passed. Nine of them (6.21%) were found graduates and two of them (1.38%) were found post graduates. It was observed that 79.3% were married and remaining 19.31% were unmarried and 1.38% was widow. Majority of them were found Muslims 91.72%). The mean length of service was 3.23 years with standard deviation of 2.25 years. More than four fifth (86.21%) knew infected blood is the source of Hepatitis B infection followed by contaminated syringe and infected person. Regarding the mode of transmission majority opined infected blood transfusion (86.21%), use of contaminated syringe (67.59%) and sexual contact (59.31%) were the principal way. But only few (16.55%) opined about transplacental transmission. The highest percentage of high risk group was identified as close relatives (78.62%), followed by professional blood donors (71.03%), doctors (67.59%), medical technologist (51.03%), nurses (50.34%), prostitutes (44.83%) and dental surgeons. Majority were unaware (77.24%) about complication of hepatitis B infection. It was found in this study that only 28.28% had tested their blood for HbsAg and only 8.27% took vaccine against. Hepatitis B. regarding knowledge on preventive measures against Hepatitis B, 91.03% opined healthful environment sanitation, 70.34% vaccination, 63.45% use of disposable syringe, 63.45% washing hands after handling infected patient and only 31.72% safe sexual habit. Majority (70.94%) opined the necessity of health education regarding lowering the incidence of hepatitis B infection. Bi-variate analysis revealed that younger age had poor awareness regarding Hepatitis B infection (p > 0.05). Similarly higher level of education had good awareness than lower level of education (p > 0.05). However as per point score only 20% had shown good awareness and majority were found average (46.9%) and poor awareness (33.60%).

Discussion

Research finding concluded that level of education and good practice can prevent infectious disease.