To Study the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Toward Prevention of Hepatitis B Infection among Health Care Workers in a High Risk Setting of a Private Institute and Public Institute: A Cross - Sectional Study

Introduction: India is in the intermediate hepatitis B virus endemic zone with hepatitis B surface antigen prevalence among the general population ranges from 2% to 8%. Among health-care workers, sero prevalence is two to four times higher than that of the general population. Health care workers (HCWs) are at high risk of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission. Hepatitis B vaccination is effective in protecting against HBV infection. Different factors influence HCW vaccination status such as lack of knowledge & awareness, cost, availability, and hesitancy. (4) So, we are conducting this study because lack of knowledge is most important factor about the Hepatitis B infection. Aim: Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practices toward prevention of hepatitis B infection among Health care workers. Objective: To Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practices toward prevention of hepatitis B infection among Health care workers Methodology: Sampling technique: Purposive sampling of healthcare workers from And Vashi. 1) Type of study: Observational cross sectional study. 2) Place of study: Public hospital & Private hospital of a Corporation. 3) Duration of study: 6 months (November 2022 to May 2023) Results: 43.3% and 55.6% study participants from Private and Public Institute respectively gives correct response about profession risk for hepatitis B virus transmission. The response about the modes of transmission of hepatitisB 97.8% and 91.1% study participants from Private and Public Institute respectively gives mosquito and insect bite response.98.9% and 93.3% study participants from Private and Public Institute respectively having positive attitude regarding Hep B vaccine is effective in preventing HBV infection.76.7% and 66.7% study participants from Private and Public Institute have been vaccinated against Hep B respectively, and out of these 27.2% and 14.4% study participants from Private and Public Institute taken 3rd dose of Hep B vaccine respectively.