Prevalence of HBV Infection and Knowledge of Hepatitis B Among Patients Attending Primary Care Clinics in Poland

Awareness of Hepatitis B Among the General Population in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B, caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), remains a significant global public health challenge despite advances in vaccination and treatment. This study aims to evaluate the awareness, knowledge, and perceptions of hepatitis B among the general population in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Riyadh in 2024, involving 805 participants aged 18 years and above. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that assessed demographic characteristics, general awareness, knowledge of transmission and prevention, testing history, and sources of information. Descriptive statistics and chi-squared tests were used for analysis.

RESULTS

Among the participants, 87% reported awareness of hepatitis B, though detailed knowledge about transmission and prevention revealed gaps. Awareness of blood transfusion as a transmission route was high (83.2%), while unprotected sex (49.3%) and mother-to-child transmission (43.2%) were less recognized. Vaccination was identified as a preventive measure by 83.5%, but misconceptions, such as the efficacy of hand washing (32%), were evident. Only 35.4% of participants had been tested for hepatitis B, highlighting low screening rates. Primary information sources included healthcare providers (57.1%) and the internet (57.5%), with social media cited by 41.5%. Gender, age, and educational background significantly influenced knowledge levels.

CONCLUSION

While general awareness of hepatitis B is high, critical gaps in detailed knowledge and testing behavior remain. Public health strategies should focus on correcting misconceptions, enhancing screening rates, and leveraging trusted information sources to improve the understanding and management of hepatitis B. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers aiming to bridge these knowledge gaps and enhance disease prevention efforts.

Viral hepatitis knowledge and vaccination awareness among men who have sex with men (MSM) in 43 countries of the WHO European Region: results from the European MSM Internet Survey, EMIS-2017

BackgroundRecent hepatitis A virus outbreaks in Europe affecting men who have sex with men (MSM) and ongoing hepatitis B virus transmission among MSM underscore the ongoing need for viral hepatitis prevention in this population.AimTo describe viral hepatitis knowledge and associated factors among MSM in the WHO European Region to inform targeted prevention.MethodsIn the European MSM Internet Survey (EMIS-2017), basic knowledge was defined as correctly identifying at least 4 of 5 statements about viral hepatitis and vaccination. We described basic knowledge by country. In a multilevel logistic regression model, we estimated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for having basic knowledge and explanatory variables: sociodemographic characteristics, history of hepatitis C and/or HIV diagnosis, sexual orientation disclosure at last sexually transmitted infections (STI) test and outness.ResultsOf 113,884 participants across 43 WHO European Region countries, 68% demonstrated basic knowledge, ranging from 50% in Israel to 80% in the Netherlands. Basic knowledge was significantly associated with older age (≥ 40 years vs < 25 years, aOR: 2.9, 95% CI: 2.7-3.0), a history of hepatitis C and/or HIV diagnosis (aOR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.7-1.9) and sexual orientation disclosure at last STI test (aOR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.2-1.3), among other factors.ConclusionsWe found a knowledge disparity regarding viral hepatitis and hepatitis vaccination awareness among MSM across Europe, highlighting a need to address these gaps. A non-judgemental, accepting climate that allows individuals attending medical services to safely disclose their sexual orientation is fundamental to enable healthcare professionals to target information and preventative measures more effectively.

Knowledge, Awareness and Prevalence of Hepatitis B Among Urban Slum Dwellers and Residents of Social Welfare Home: A Cross sectional Study From Eastern India

Background/aims

In view of limited data on the knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the available preventive strategies at the community level, it was aimed to analyse the knowledge and awareness of HBV in the community.

Methods

A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted among residents of an urban slum and a social welfare home in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from October 2019 to April 2021. The prevalence of HBV infection was also measured by testing the serum positivity for hepatitis B surface antigen using rapid point-of-care test kits. The statistical analysis was done by using the software SPSS version 20.

Results

A total of 370 individuals (mean age 38.7 ± 14.9 years, males: 55.1%) were assessed. Although 18.1% (67) had good knowledge, only 16.7% (62) had good awareness about HBV. Approximately 14.8% (55) knew that a vaccine is available in the country for HBV, and 6.2% (23) identified themselves as being vaccinated. Educational status was a significant independent predictor of knowledge and awareness such that people with education level of matriculation and above had odds of 11.05 (95% confidence interval: 5.3-22.7) and 14.7 (95% confidence interval: 6.5-33.1) for having good knowledge and awareness regarding HBV, respectively. A total of 10 participants tested positive for hepatitis B surface antigen contributing to a point prevalence rate of 2.7%. The proportion of individuals with an education status of matriculation and above was higher in the slum area when compared with the welfare home (67% vs 33%; P < 0.001), the knowledge (71.6% vs 28.4%; P < 0.001) and so was the awareness (71% vs 29%; P < 0.001) about HBV as well.

Conclusion

The relatively low figures of knowledge and awareness identified in our study undermine the need for intensification of health education and promotion activities regarding the prevalence of hepatitis B infection on a large scale at the community level.

Association of vaccine policy with virus infection and awareness of hepatitis B in Fujian, China

China has regulated its hepatitis B vaccination policy. However, data on the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection have not been updated since 2014. In addition, the impact of the policy on awareness of hepatitis B is limited, especially in Fujian Province where HBV infection is highly prevalent. We conducted a sero-epidemiological survey in five national monitoring counties to address these concerns. A total of 5,873 subjects were included and classified into four birth cohorts according to the policy time nodes (1981, 1992, and 2002). The HBsAg carrier rate for the general population was 8.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.9-9.3). Compared with those born before 1981, adjusted odds ratios (OR) for HBV infection were 0.51 (95% CI: 0.43-0.62), 0.10 (0.08-0.12), and 0.015 (0.01-0.023) among the 1981-1991, 1992-2001, and ≥2002 birth cohorts, respectively; while the OR was 1.26 (1.00-1.57), 0.39 (0.26-0.58), and 0.019 (0.006-0.06) for HBsAg carriage, respectively. Among the 4865 residents aged ≥15 years, hepatitis B awareness has been declining since the introduction of the hepatitis B vaccine into the immunization program (β = -0.25, SE = 0.08, P = .001, and β = -0.20, SE = 0.08, P = .017 for 1992-2001 and ≥2002 birth cohort, respectively). This decline was obvious for the initiation time of the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine. Although the hepatitis B vaccination policies have helped reduce the infection, the awareness has declined. More measures on the target population are warranted to improve the public's awareness of hepatitis B vaccination in the context of great achievements.

Hepatitis B among University Population: Prevalence, Associated Risk Factors, Knowledge Assessment, and Treatment Management

Background: Very few studies have been reported on hepatitis B in the State of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan, and none of them are specific to the prevalence and causes of hepatitis B spread among educational institutes. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B infection and its associated risk factors among the University of AJ and K population. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study was conducted with 7015 students and employees. Hepatitis B was detected by rapid immunochromatographic tests (ICTs), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and real-time quantitative PCR. A questionnaire and interview method was used to assess the disease knowledge and associated risk factors with hepatitis B through Chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, and paired t-test. Results: Of the participants, 150 (2.13%) were found positive for the hepatitis B surface antigen (57.3% male and 42.7% female). Only 0.3% participants were found fully vaccinated against the hepatitis B virus. Among ethnic groups, the Syed tribe was found more prevalent for hepatitis B infection (40.6%), while use of contaminated mourning blades (95% CI: p = 0.0001) was found as an overlooked risk factor. Hepatitis preventive awareness sessions were found to be very significant (p = 0.0001). Conclusions: The study showed that an overlooked risk factor is playing a key role in the spread of HBV in a tribe living worldwide, which must be addressed globally to eradicate hepatitis B. In Pakistan, a country-wide annual HBV vaccination program should be launched to control hepatitis B.

Knowledge of hepatitis B among healthy population in community

Hepatitis B is the world’s most common blood‑borne viral infection, accounting for 2 billion infections, 350 million carriers, and 6 lakh deaths annually. Aim of the paper is to determine the level of knowledge among healthy population in North Macedonia regarding Hepatitis B virus infection. Material and methods: A community‑based cross‑sectional study was undertaken. Questionnaire was administered to 600 healthy individuals, who heard about hepatitis B. Data handled and analyzed by using statistical package SPSS. Results: The profile of those who give the correct answer regarding the cause of hepatitis B that it is a virus are women (65.3%), aged 40 to 49 (42.8%), by nationality are Macedonian, have higher education (52.8%), 92.8% live in urban areas, 74.3% are married, employed (79.2%) and have a moderate monthly income (68.9). About one‑third of the sample said that loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting also associated with hepatitis B. There is a significant difference in knowledge related to early (prodromal) (symptoms such as cold and flu - fever, runny nose, cough) symptoms of hepatitis infection. Only 17.7% give the correct answer that they register, and 81.7% do not. Jaundice is one of the common symptoms of hepatitis, 32.2% give the correct answer, and 25.8% of the symptoms that are present and common are nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. Conclusions: Important knowledge deficits about the routes of hepatitis B transmission/prevention were identified. Continued efforts should be made to develop and implement hepatitis B educational campaigns/health promotion for these communities.

Determinants of overall knowledge and health behaviours in relation to hepatitis B and C among ever-married women in Pakistan: evidence based on Demographic and Health Survey 2017-18

Background

In 2019, around 5 million and 10 million people were affected by hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) respectively in Pakistan. On World Hepatitis Day 2019, Pakistan’s Government announced the Prime Minister’s Plan to eliminate HBV and HCV from the country by 2030. In order to achieve this goal, adequate knowledge about HBV and HCV regarding mode of transmission, symptoms of the disease, and awareness about available treatments and vaccines is imperative. The present study aims to investigate the determinants related to overall knowledge about and behaviour in relation to HBV and HCV amongst married women in Pakistan.

Methods

Secondary data analysis was carried out using the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) 2017–18. A series of questions regarding women’s knowledge about how to avoid HBV and HCV and their health behaviour in relation to HBV and HCV were posed to 12,364 ever-married women of reproductive age (15–49 years). Bivariate and multivariable logistic and linear regression was applied to examine the effects of sociodemographic characteristics and covariates on women’s overall knowledge and health behaviour regarding HBV and HCV.

Results

The findings highlight that the majority of women (88.3%) have heard of HBV and HCV. Nonetheless, only 34.8% had comprehensive knowledge about how to avoid HBV and HCV. Few women (11.3%) had been tested for HBV or HCV during the year preceding the survey. Furthermore, the results indicate that women living in urban areas, being older, and having more than 10 years of schooling, reported better knowledge and health behaviours regarding HBV and HCV.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that women’s sociodemographic characteristics create differences in their overall knowledge about and attitudes towards HBV and HCV. This research emphasized that there is a need to create awareness about the causes and prevention of HBV and HCV in order to achieve the goal of eliminating these diseases in Pakistan by 2030.

[Hepatitis B virus infection and vaccine-induced immunity: the role of sociodemographic determinants : Results of the study "German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults" (DEGS1, 2008-2011)]

Hintergrund und Ziel

Trotz niedriger Prävalenz der Hepatitis-B-Virus-(HBV-)Infektion in Deutschland ist es wichtig, vulnerable Gruppen und Ansatzpunkte für die Prävention zu identifizieren. In ersten Analysen der „Studie zur Gesundheit Erwachsener in Deutschland“ (DEGS1, 2008–2011) waren HBV-Infektion und -Impfung mit sozidemografischen Determinanten assoziiert. In dieser Arbeit werden die Ergebnisse im Detail untersucht.

Material und Methoden

In DEGS1 lag für 7046 Teilnehmende (Alter: 18–79 Jahre) eine HBV-Serologie vor. Die stattgehabte HBV-Infektion war durch Antikörper gegen das Hepatitis-B-Core-Antigen (Anti-HBc) definiert, die impfinduzierte Immunität durch alleinigen Nachweis von Antikörpern gegen das Hepatitis-B-Surface-Antigen (Anti-HBs). Seroprävalenzen von HBV-Infektions- und -Impfstatus wurden geschlechtsstratifiziert geschätzt und Assoziationen mit Alter, Gemeindegröße, Einkommen, formaler Bildung, Krankenversicherung und Migrationsgeneration in logistischen Regressionen analysiert.

Ergebnisse

Die HBV-Infektion war bei Männern und Frauen unabhängig mit den Altersgruppen 34–64 und ≥ 65 Jahre, erster Migrationsgeneration und Leben in größeren Gemeinden assoziiert, zudem bei Männern mit niedrigem Einkommen und bei Frauen mit niedriger Bildung. Die impfinduzierte Immunität war bei Männern und Frauen unabhängig mit den Altersgruppen 18–33 und 34–64 Jahre, mittlerer und hoher Bildung und hohem Einkommen assoziiert, darüber hinaus bei Männern mit mittlerem Einkommen und privater Krankenversicherung und bei Frauen mit fehlendem Migrationshintergrund.

Diskussion

Die Berücksichtigung von Migrationsstatus, Einkommen und Bildung könnte zur zielgenauen Ausrichtung der HBV-Prävention beitragen.

Zusatzmaterial online

Zusätzliche Informationen sind in der Online-Version dieses Artikels (10.1007/s00103-021-03473-z) enthalten.

Sero-prevalence and risk factors for hepatitis B virus infection among the consumers of the alcoholic beverage, cheka in Konso zone, southwestern Ethiopia

INTRODUCTION

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a hepatotropic and partially double stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) virus that causes the immune-mediated killing of infected liver cells. It is a public health conundrum due to its considerable morbidity and mortality. Cheka is a cereal and vegetable-based fermented beverage that is consumed as a key dietary component in the southwestern parts of Ethiopia. This study was aimed to assess the seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and associated risk factors among cheka consumers in the Konso community, southwest of Ethiopia.

METHODS

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in a total of 633 cheka consumers between October 01, 2018, and May 31, 2019. The socio-demographic characteristics and associated factors were collected using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. HBV infection was screened using immune-chromatographic strip tests and positive results were further confirmed with ELISA.

RESULTS

The prevalence of HBV was found to be 18.2% (95% CI, 15.1-21.5). Gender (male) (AOR = 1.757:95% CI, 1.009-3.059), age (35-44 yrs), (AOR = 4.123:95% CI, 1.718-9.892), nature of the job (daily laborer) (AOR = 4.551:95% CI, 1.115-18.57), awareness about the transmission of the disease (AOR = 2.056:95% CI, 1.074-3.934) and previous history of contacts with patients having liver diseases (AOR = 2.496:95% CI, 1.187-5.248) were identified as factors which are being significantly associated with the HBV infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Very high endemic levels of HBV infection are identified in the study. Male participants of age between 35 and 44 years, who are daily laborers and are aware of HBV transmission, with a previous history of contacts with patients having liver diseases were even at higher risk of HBV infection. The need for more research to find the links between cheka consumption and other mechanisms of HBV cross-infection in these communities is indicated.

Seroprevalence of anti-HBc, risk factors of occupationally acquired HBV infection and HBV vaccination among hospital staff in Poland: a multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Due to numerous blood exposures hospital staff are at risk of acquiring hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections. This study aimed at estimating prevalence of HBV, associated risk factors and HBV vaccination among Polish health care workers (HCWs).

METHODS

A cross-sectional sero-survey was conducted (October 2016-January 2018) in 10 randomly selected hospitals from two provinces: of low and high incidence of HBV, with the use of an anonymous, self- administered questionnaire. Blood samples were screened for hepatitis B core antibodies (anti-HBc) with enzyme immunoassay.

RESULTS

Of the 306 participating HCWs, 88.6% were females, 69.9% nurses (mean age 47.8 ± 9.0 years). HBV vaccination was reported by 94.2%, participants (4.7% with 2 doses, 58.1% with 3 doses, 37.2% took a booster), but of these 75.1% reported no post-immunization serology. The sero-prevalence of anti-HBc was 12.1% (95%CI 8.4-15.7%); only 11.1% had ever screened themselves for HBV infection. Out of 37 anti-HBc positive HCWs, 29 reported being vaccinated for HBV; 10.5% vaccinated HCWs were anti-HBc positive. Regarding other occupational risk factors, 27.8% had experienced a sharp injury (SI) in the last year, 80.0% of incidents were not reported. The use of safety devices (SD) was 86.3%; 35.9% participants used to recap a needle. Older age (OR = 4.24), lack of HBV vaccination (OR = 7.42), working at the province of high HBV incidence in the general population (OR = 2.69) were each predictors of participant's HBV infection.

CONCLUSIONS

High anti-HBc seroprevalence was found in hospital staff with older generation particularly constituting a risk group. Unsatisfactory vaccination coverage and the use of SDs, needle recapping and under-reporting of SIs were main modifiable risk factors regarding HBV infection. The study provides evidence of the protective role of HBV vaccine, as well as the possible effect of HBV incidence in the general population on HCW's anti-HBc seropositivity. Universal vaccination, followed by strict policies to confirm immunity, better compliance with infection-control practices and widespread implementation of SDs should be enforced to protect hospital staff from occupationally acquired HBV infections.

Knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B among households in Malaysia: a community-based cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B (HepB) is a major public health concern in Malaysia yet little is known about knowledge and awareness of this infection in the country. Such information is essential for designing effective intervention strategies for HepB prevention and control. The aim of this study was to characterize knowledge and awareness regarding HepB in Malaysia and to identify their associated sociodemographic determinants.

METHODS

A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted between January and May 2016 in Selangor state of Malaysia. A two-stage cluster random sampling design was used and one adult member of selected households was interviewed face-to-face. Logistic regression was used to estimate the differences in knowledge and awareness between groups.

RESULTS

A total of 764 households completed the interviews and were included in the final analysis. Only 36.9 and 38.8% of the participants had good knowledge and awareness, respectively. The factors associated with good knowledge were being in the 35-44 year age group, Malay ethnicity, high educational attainment and high family income. Being Chinese, being older and having high educational attainment were determinants of having good awareness towards HepB. Participants who had good knowledge were 2.5 times more likely to also have good awareness (OR: 2.41, 95% CI: 1.78-3.26, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals a low level of knowledge and awareness of HepB among households in Malaysia. This finding highlights the need to improve public knowledge and awareness through well-designed programs targeting vulnerable groups in order to reduce hepatitis B virus transmission and achieve the governmental target of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health concern by 2030.

Cross-sectional study to determine viral hepatitis knowledge in different urban populations in Brazil

AIM

To evaluate viral hepatitis knowledge among individuals from different resource areas and health conditions to identify possible gaps.

METHODS

A cross-sectional, descriptive study was carried out among 447 individuals from five distinct populations in Brazil: Southeast Viral Hepatitis Ambulatory (n = 100), South (n = 89) and Northeast (n = 114) Health Center, Southeast (n = 77) and Northeast (n = 67) low resource areas. All individuals answered a questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics and viral hepatitis awareness. The perception was scored based on the average number of correct answers of all participants and categorized as “low” (0-28 correct answers) or “desirable” (29-46 correct answers). Associations between sociodemographic characteristics and perception were also evaluated.

RESULTS

A low level of knowledge was observed in individuals from Northeast Health Center, Northeast and Southeast low resource areas while desirable knowledge was observed in individuals from Viral Hepatitis Ambulatory and South Health Center. According to sociodemographic characteristics, desirable scores were more common among those with secondary education (47.1%), those who declared themselves as white (46.3%), and those who lived in houses with three individuals (25.5%). Multivariate analysis showed an association between viral hepatitis perception and type of population.

CONCLUSION

The results demonstrated high level of knowledge among study participants from health clinics from the Southeast region of Brazil and the importance of education programs in increasing the level of knowledge in low resource areas.

Illness Representations of Pertussis and Predictors of Child Vaccination Among Mothers in a Strict Vaccination Exemption State

Background Vaccine preventable diseases are making a comeback in the US. However, research is lacking on illness representations of vaccine preventable diseases and their application in improving childhood immunization. Objective We utilized the common sense model of self-regulation to examine illness representations of pertussis and their associations with child's receipt of any vaccine, up-to-date vaccination status, and mothers' intentions to follow the recommended vaccination schedule in the future. Methods We developed vaccine worry and vaccine hassles scales to assess mothers' worries and hassles for child vaccination, and used an open ended question to assess mother's illness representations of pertussis. We surveyed mothers with children <3 years old (N = 160) in the Appalachian state of West Virginia, which only allows medical vaccine exemptions. Results Some children (5.0%) had received no vaccination, 15.0% were not up-to-date with the recommended vaccination schedule, and 13.8% mothers reported no intention to follow the recommended schedule in future (future intention). Illness representations included identity (17.8%), timeline (61.8%), consequences (58.6%), cause (35.0%), and cure/control (56.7%). Higher vaccine worry was associated with child receiving no vaccine. Not using daycare, higher vaccine worry, and difficulty breathing (identity) were associated with child not being up-to-date. Higher vaccine worry, cough (identity), and belief that vaccines are ineffective (cure/control) were associated with no future intention. Conclusions Vaccination interventions need to address mothers' worry regarding vaccine safety. 'Common Sense' beliefs regarding vaccines need to be reconciled with scientific data about vaccine safety and effectiveness, even among those with high socio-economic status in a strict vaccination state.