ESTIMATION OF HEPATITIS B VACCINATION STATUS ALONG WITH ASSESSMENT OF AWARENESS AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES ADOPTED REGARDING HEPATITIS B INFECTION AMONGST HEALTH CARE WORKERS OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN MIDDLE ASSAM
Prof. (Dr.) Samrat Biswas and *Dr. Chandasib Nath
ABSTRACT
Background: Healthcare workers are still frequently exposed to the risk of hepatitis B. In India, the prevalence of
HBsAg prevalence among the general population ranges from 2 to 8 percent, which places India in an intermediate
HBV endemicity zone. India, with 50 million cases, is also the second-largest global pool of chronic HBV
infections. Vaccination against hepatitis B is an essential strategy to control HBV infection. Anti-HBs is a
protective antibody, its detection, as well as quantification, remains the primary determinant of immunity to HBV
infection. Aims: To determine the antibody titre of hepatitis B in healthcare workers, their need for revaccination
of the Hepatitis B vaccine and to check for their general awareness for prevention in a tertiary care hospital.
Materials and methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, TMCH over a period of
one year. 484 HCWs participated in the study. HBsAg screening of the HCWSs was done by Rapid HBsAg card
and ELISA for anti-HBs titre estimation. KAP was analysed by self-administered structured questionnaire.
Results: In our study, we found that out of 484 HCWs who participated in study, 260 (53.71%) healthcare
workers were fully vaccinated. The overall protective titre amongst all categories of HCWs was 95.76% and a
significant correlation was found between knowledge score with preventive practice scores. Conclusion - The
healthcare workers engaged in Tertiary care hospitals are at risk while performing their job. It is therefore very
important for healthcare workers to get vaccinated. Strict preventive measures should be followed by the HCWs
for effective protection against HBV infection and transmission.
Keywords: Healthcare Workers (HCWs), Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg), Anti HBs, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice.
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