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Hepatitis: B Perceptions, Knowledge and Vaccine Acceptance Among Registered Nurses in High-Risk Occupations in a University Hospital

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 January 2022

Michael R. Spence  and
Georgia P. Dash
Michael R. Spence*
Affiliation:
Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hahnemann University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Georgia P. Dash
Affiliation:
Epidemiology, Hahnemann University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
*
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MS 404, Hahnemann University Hospital, Broad & Vine, Philadelphia, PA 19102
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Abstract

We employed a questionnaire to survey 334 registered nurses regarding their knowledge, perceptions and vaccine acceptance for Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections. The study population was those persons working in areas considered at high-risk for contracting HBV. The nurses were asked to provide information regarding blood and body fluid exposures and the reporting of these exposures. The questionnaire was completed by 169 nurses (50.6%). Less than half of the respondents (42%) had been vaccinated. We found that 13 of 14 black nurses, compared to 85 of 154 nonblack nurses, had not been vaccinated (p < .01). No other demographic differences between recipients and nonrecipients were noted. Partially or totally incorrect answers regarding transmittal knowledge were given by 108 of 160 (68%) respondents. Reasons for failure to be vaccinated were varied. Fear of side effects of the vaccine, contracting AIDS or hepatitis from the vaccine, or doubt of efficacy of the vaccine were cited by 50 of 88 (58%) respondents as reasons for not being vaccinated. Inability to schedule an appointment or unawareness of the vaccine's availability were expressed by 23% and 17% of the individuals, respectively. Our data allow us to conclude that to improve vaccination compliance, the vaccine must be made more readily available, possibly through workplace on-site administration. Additionally, a concerted effort to educate our staff regarding HBV with particular emphasis on minorities is needed.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology , Volume 11 , Issue 3 , March 1990 , pp. 129 - 133
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America 1990

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