Acceptance of hepatitis B vaccination among health care workers in Western Greece

Arch Environ Occup Health. 2014;69(2):107-11. doi: 10.1080/19338244.2012.750586.

Abstract

Health care personnel are at high risk for hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission. The aim of the present study was to investigate hepatitis B (HB) knowledge and vaccination acceptance among health care personnel in southwestern Greece, using the Hepatitis B Vaccine Knowledge and Acceptance Questionnaire. One hundred eighty-three employees participated (71 males). Occupation (p < .001), higher education (p < .001), and vaccination (p = .007) were significantly related to HB knowledge. The rate of HBV vaccination coverage was 70.9%. Participants considering themselves at high risk for HBV infection did not report significantly increased vaccination rates. In the multivariate analysis, university personnel (p = .002), occupational category (p < .001), and HB knowledge (p = .049) were significantly associated with vaccination. In conclusion, 29% of hospital personnel were not vaccinated mainly due to negligence. Occupation, education, and knowledge about HB seem to be associated with HBV vaccination.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Greece
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data*
  • Personnel, Hospital / statistics & numerical data*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Hepatitis B Vaccines