VACCINATION STATUS AGAINST HEPATITIS B VIRUS AMONG YOUNG DOCTORS WORKING AT A PUBLIC SECTOR TEACHING HOSPITAL IN PESHAWAR

Objectives: To determine the vaccination status and to find out reasons why young doctors working in KTH do not opt for vaccination against HBV. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was undertaken at Khyber teaching hospital, Peshawar, for four months. A self-administered questionnaire validated by Lynn Criteria and pilot testing for construct, face, and content validity was distributed among young doctors to obtain the vaccination rate and demographic data. Results: Of the total 150 doctors, who participated in the study, 68.5% were vaccinated. Among them, 38.9% were fully vaccinated with three doses, while the rest were partially vaccinated. The barrier to completing Vaccination in our study population was work overload, negligence, and non-availability of the vaccine. Conclusion: We observed a low rate of HBV vaccination among young doctors working at Khyber teaching hospital compared to our target vaccination rate. The major frame factors to complete Vaccination in our study population were work overload, negligence, and non-availability of vaccines. Different steps should be taken to ensure the Vaccination of all healthcare workers, including young doctors. Keywords: Hepatitis B Virus, Vaccination, Healthcare professionals.