Journal of Community Medicine & Health Education
Open Access

Abstract

Background/Aim: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a well-recognized occupational risk for health care workers (HCWs) worldwide. In Saudi Arabia, very little is known about knowledge, attitudes and practice of primary health care (PHC) physicians towards occupational risk of HBV. The objective of our study was to assess the same parameters. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 145 practitioners with mean age 38±12.6 years was carried out at primary health care centers (PHCCs) in AlJouf province of Saudi Arabia. The physicians were asked to fill a valid questionnaire containing their socio-demographic data, and a well designed questions about their knowledge base, attitudes and practice toward occupational risk of HBV. The data was processed and analyzed using SPSS (version 17) program, and the level of significance was set at P<0.05. Results: Response rate of 82.8% yielded 120 questionnaires for analysis. Majority of the physicians surveyed 99 (82.5%) perceived that they are at high risk of contracting and spreading HBV. Nearly all the physicians surveyed 115 (95.6%) considered HBV vaccine is safe for all ages. Of the total 84.2% were vaccinated. Only 44 (36.7%) physicians recognized that HBV is resistant to alcohol and some detergents. During surgical procedures only minority of the physicians always use double gloves and wearing glasses. Almost all the participating physicians were willing to subscribe in a regular training programs about HBV. Conclusions: lack of knowledge is found, and practice of PHC physicians with regards to occupational risk of HBV appeared inappropriate. More education focusing on HBV is recommended. Keywords: Attitude; Hepatitis B; Knowledge; Primary health care; Saudi Arabia

Biography

Scientific life: 1. MBBS from King Saud university (1414-1415 AH) 2. Master's degree in primary health care from King Saud university (College of Medicine-1419 AH). 3. Diploma in the e-learning from South Korea 4. 3 boards (doctorates) in the family and community medicine 5. Attended many international conferences in and outside Saudi Arabia Practical life: 1. Intern (house officer) at King Khalid hospital and Riyadh medical complex in Riyadh (1414-1415 AH) 2. Resident in pediatric hospital at Riyadh (1415-1417 AH) 3. Attached to Saudi board for 4 years in college of medicine at king Saud University 4. Senior registrar at Riyadh general health directorate and the Consultant family Consultant for 4 years 5. Dean College of medicine at AlJouf University for 3 years