Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses significant occupational risks to healthcare workers (HCWs) worldwide. Understanding the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) of HCWs regarding HBV infection and vaccination is crucial for developing effective preventive strategies. This study aims to assess the KAPs of the HCWs regarding HBV transmission, prevention, and vaccination in Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Thandalam, Tamil Nadu. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at Saveetha Medical College and Hospital from January 2024 to May 2024. Participants included doctors, interns, nurses, and technicians (n = 112) who completed a validated questionnaire assessing their KAPs regarding HBV infection, prevention, and vaccination. The data were analyzed using the SPSS version 24.0 software (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). The categorical data were presented in frequencies and percentages. The statistical significance was analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test to determine their statistical significance (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The majority of respondents demonstrated good knowledge (mean score = 6.40), positive attitudes (mean score = 7.29), and appropriate practices (mean score = 7.11) toward HBV prevention and vaccination. Significant differences were observed based on designation with p < 0.05 (p = 0.04), with doctors consistently exhibiting higher KAP scores (mean score = 8.7) compared to nurses (mean score = 6.24) and technicians (mean score = 7.36). CONCLUSION: Our study found that while most HCWs understand hepatitis B and support vaccination, doctors exhibit superior knowledge compared to nurses and technicians. High adherence to prevention protocols is noted, but targeted educational interventions, such as workshops and continuous medical education, are needed to address knowledge gaps. Regular updates and mentorship programs can enhance understanding and foster a collaborative environment, leading to more effective hepatitis B prevention and improved patient care.