Surgeons, Hepatitis B vaccination & infection. The need for supportive health center policy: A questionnaire-based survey
Year: 2012
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objective To explore the vaccination status of surgeons, to assess their knowledge of the protective role of Hepatitis B vaccine and how this might reflect on their reaction when dealing with Hepatitis B patients. Methods In December 2011, a 2 page questionnaire was distributed to surgeons of different specialties in 10 tertiary care governmental hospitals in different regions of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Results Out of 900 questionnaires distributed, 417 were completed and collected (46%). Out of these, 279 (66.9%) surgeons were completely vaccinated (3 doses received), 58 (13.9%) were partially vaccinated (1 or 2 doses received), 61 (14.6%) were not vaccinated and 19 (4.6%) did not know their vaccination status. Only 219 (52.5%) surgeons knew that the vaccine provides 95% protection and only 50 (12%) knew the correct timing for checking Hepatitis B antibody level. Surgeons with longer duration of practice were less likely to be vaccinated and less likely to follow standard precautions when operating on Hepatitis B patients (P value 0.006 & 0.000 respectively). 387 surgeons (93%) reported that they would not refuse operating on Hepatitis B patients. 233 (56%) expect their health centres to provide them with compensation if they encountered Hepatitis B infection during their practice and 307 (74%) would change their place of work to a health centre that will support them at least financially. Conclusions Two of three surgeons had all three doses of vaccine and about half of the surgeons were not aware of the exact protection degree. The deficient knowledge of surgeons about Hepatitis B infection and vaccination was reflected on their practice. Health centre’s policies should clearly provide surgeons with post-exposure supportive solutions and job re-location.
Institution: King Fahad Hospital Jeddah
Language: English
Topic: Hepatitis B Virus Studies
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2885911642