Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Survey on Hepatitis B Immunization Among Healthcare Personnel: A Cross-Sectional Study from a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in Western Maharashtra
TL;DR
Strengthening post-vaccination monitoring and serological assessment may improve occupational protection against hepatitis B among healthcare personnel, highlighting a substantial gap between vaccine administration and verification of protective immunity.
Abstract
Background: Healthcare personnel are at increased risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection because of occupational exposure to blood and body fluids. Although effective vaccines are available, gaps may persist in vaccination-related knowledge and preventive practices. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding hepatitis B immunization among healthcare personnel in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted among healthcare personnel using a structured electronic survey. Information regarding demographics, knowledge of hepatitis B infection and prevention, attitudes towards vaccination, vaccination status, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and post-vaccination serological testing was collected. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test. Results: A total of 117 healthcare personnel participated in the study. Overall, 84.6% had received at least one dose of hepatitis B vaccine and 79.5% had completed the recommended three-dose schedule. Knowledge regarding hepatitis B was generally satisfactory, with 99.1% correctly identifying the causative agent, 97.4% recognizing the protective role of vaccination, and 88.9% being aware of PEP. Attitudes towards vaccination were favourable, with 91.5% supporting universal hepatitis B vaccination for healthcare personnel. Despite high vaccination coverage, only 4.3% of participants reported undergoing post-vaccination anti-HBs testing. Vaccination uptake was significantly higher among medical students than among non-student healthcare personnel (χ² = 5.31, p = 0.021).Conclusion: High hepatitis B vaccination coverage coexisted with extremely low uptake of post-vaccination anti-HBs testing, highlighting a substantial gap between vaccine administration and verification of protective immunity. Strengthening post-vaccination monitoring and serological assessment may improve occupational protection against hepatitis B among healthcare personnel. Bangladesh J Medicine 2026; 37(3): 215-218.