Knowledge of Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Mode of Transmission among Women of Reproductive Age in Work and Study Programme of Ebonyi State University Abakaliki, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B virus is the most serious type of viral hepatitis and can cause both acute and chronic infections. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of hepatitis B virus infection and its mode of transmission among women of reproductive age in Work and Study programme of Ebonyi State University Abakaliki, Nigeria

Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. A systematic sampling technique was used to select 326 respondents. Information was obtained using a pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire. Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 22 was used in the analysis.

Results: Majority (77.6%) of the respondents were aware of hepatitis B virus infection and the major (50%) source of information was health workers. Knowledge on  method of transmission of the virus included blood transfusion, 62.3%; unprotected sexual intercourse, 54.0%; mother to child transmission, 40.5% while for prevention, screening of blood before transfusion had 62.6%; vaccination, 48.8% and use of condom, 42.6%. A minor proportion (32.5%) had been vaccinated with the Hepatitis B vaccine and only 39.6% had received the recommended three doses. The major (50%) reason for non-vaccination was ignorance. Out of 27.0% who had been screened for the virus 1.5% knew they tested positive for hepatitis B surface antigen.

Conclusions: Majority of the respondents were aware of hepatitis B virus infection. Though most of the respondents had good knowledge of the transmission of the virus, their understanding of the methods of prevention was poor. There is need for public enlightenment on the burden of hepatitis B virus infection in Nigeria and the availability and importance of the hepatitis B vaccine.