The Knowledge of Post Exposure Prophylaxis for Hepatitis B Virus and the Related Factors among Health Care Workers in Accra, Ghana

Abstract

Background: Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is important, especially in healthcare settings with low HBV vaccination uptake and high prevalence of HBV among the general public. It is important for Health Care Workers (HCWs) to have adequate knowledge of PEP for HBV for effective adherence following occupational exposure. This study assessed the level of knowledge of PEP for HBV among HCWs. Methods:  A cross-sectional study involving 174 HCWs from five facilities in the Greater Accra Region. Selection was by random sampling after stratification into six professional categories. A structured, pretested questionnaire was used to collect data. SPSS software was used to analyse data. Chi-square test was used to determine significance, ANOVA and logistic regression analysis were done. Results: Thirty three percent of the HCWs had knowledge scores of less than 50%, whereas only 27% had good knowledge of PEP for HBV. The average mean of knowledge score was 47.85 (CI=44.35-51.35). An analysis of variance identified a statistically significant difference between the scores obtained by the various cadres (P=0.01). A logistic regression analysis revealed that nurses and midwives had lower odds of having a good knowledge of PEP for HBV (aOR=0.4; 95% CI=0.1-0.9). Conclusion: Respondents demonstrated inadequate knowledge of PEP for HBV in this study. In poor settings where HBV disease burden is high and HBV vaccination coverage among HCWs is suboptimal, good knowledge of PEP for HBV is recommended for effective adherence to PEP protocols among HCWs, who are at risk of exposure to HBV.