Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of caregivers on viral hepatitis B at Lomé Commune Regional Hospital in 2018

Abstract

Objectives: Describe knowledge, attitudes and practices of Lomé Commune Regional Hospital caregivers with regard to viral hepatitis B contamination risk and complications.

Patients and Methods: This was Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices based cross-sectional, descriptive study with an analytical aim which took place at Lomé Commune Regional Hospital.

Results: The participation rate in this survey was 76% with a male predominance of 50.68%). The most represented professional categories were Senior Health Technicians (32.2%), Nurses (28.1%) and Midwives (17.8%) with an average age of 36 years (25-59 years). The viral etiology of hepatitis B was known in 96.6% of the cases and blood, sexual and mother-to-child transmission routes were cited in 94.52%, 78.08% and 74.66% of the participants respectively. Physicians significantly knew better about signs suggestive of viral hepatitis B than Midwives and Nurses did (p = 0.019). Tenofovir was known in 52.7% as a molecule used in the treatment of hepatitis B and immunization was mentioned as a means of prevention in 98.63% of cases. Only one third of the respondents (36.99%) asked for viral hepatitis B serology in case of an accidental blood exposure. Caregivers’ immunization coverage rate was 65.10%. Levels of knowledge, attitudes and practices were significantly better among midwives (p<0.005).

Conclusion: Caregivers’ low immunization coverage requires continuing education and awareness raising activities coupled with a vaccination subsidy.