Knowledge, attitude, and perception of healthcare workers on hepatitis B infection in 37 Military Hospital

Abstract

Hepatitis B (HB) infection remains an important occupational hazard for Healthcare workers (HCWs). This is alarming as HCWs are expected to be trained with the requisite knowledge about the virus, therefore assessing the Knowledge, Attitude and Perception (KAP) of HCWs can highlight the measures needed in order to prevent or reduce risk of transmission among HCWs. A hospital based descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to assess KAP of HCWs concerning HB infection in 37 Military Hospital was undertaken amongst 50 purposively selected HCWs of 37 Military Hospital; were assessed using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and Chi square analysis of patients’ demographic characteristics and for KAP of HCWs were conducted using Statistical Package for Social Science (version 16). Of the 50 respondents, 77.6% were having adequate knowledge whereas 8.4% were of poor knowledge and 14% neither have adequate or poor knowledge. Also, 5.7% of respondents were of negative attitude whereas 89.7% showed a positive attitude and 4.7% were of neutral attitude. Again, 53% of respondents were of good perception whereas 17% were of poor perception and 30% was neither having good nor poor perception. Work experience and occupation of respondents showed significant relation with knowledge (p<0.01, p<0.05). Also, age, work experience and occupation were significantly associated attitude (p<0.05). Contrary, there was no association between demographic data and perception (p>0.05). It was concluded that there was adequate knowledge, positive attitude and good perception among HCWs concerning HB infection in Ghana. It is recommended amongst others that, intensified education be given to the HCWs of 37 Military hospital by the hospital management team to improve the perception towards HB infection.