Assessing knowledge, practices and associated factors towards Hepatitis B infection among healthcare practitioners in Gulu City, Uganda

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a potentially fatal infection that is preventable with vaccination yet remains a major source of morbidity and mortality globally. Health care practitioners (HCPs) are among the high-risk groups to HBV infection because they interact with patients on a daily basis. In Gulu city, little is known about HCP’s preventive knowledge, preventive practices and factors that predict them. Assessment of HBV knowledge, HBV preventive practices and their predictors among HCPs in Gulu city was extremely important. Objectives: To assess health care practitioner’s preventive knowledge, preventive practices and associated factors related to Hepatitis B virus prevention in Gulu city. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 427 HCPs randomly selected from 21 health facilities in Gulu city. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using STATA/SE 15 data analysis software. Descriptive statistics were presented inform of frequencies, percentages and graphics to illustrate respondents' demographic characteristics, level of knowledge and level of practice. Bivariate and multivariate analysis were performed using cross tabulation and modified poisson regression at the 95% confidence level to determine factors associated with level of HBV knowledge and level of HBV practices. Results of final regression modelling were provided in the form of adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) at p =0.05. Results: Only 279 (65.3%) HCPs had adequate HBV knowledge, similarly Only 224 (52.5%) HCPs were adequately engaged in HBV prevention practices. Prevalence of HBV knowledge among HCPs who worked in health centres II-IIIs had a 36% decrease compared to HCPs who did not (aPR = 0.64; 95% CI:0.48-0.86; p = 0.003). Prevalence of HBV preventive knowledge among HCPs who worked in other departments had a 65% decrease compared to HCPs who did not (aPR = 0.35; 95% CI: 0.16-0.77; p = 0.009); and 23% increase among medical officer cadres (aPR = 1.23; 95% CI: 1.08-1.41; p =0.003). HBV preventive practice was 83% higher among HCPs who were 40 years and above (aPR = 1.83; 95% CI: 1.42-2.36; p < 0.001) than those below 40 years, 49% higher among HCPs who had adequate knowledge (aPR = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.14-1.94; p =0.003) and 4.3 times higher among HCPs who had positive perception (aPR = 4.30; 95% CI: 2.12-8.97; p <0.001). Conclusions and Recommendations: Findings highlighted inadequate knowledge and inadequate engagement in HBV prevention among HCPs in Gulu city. Additional trainings are recommended to HCPs by HF in-charges/CHO, with more emphasis to HCPs with lower cadres, those working in HC II-IIIs, those working in departments other IPDs to increase their level of knowledge and practices and the HCPs entering/with below 40years of service.