The Knowledge of Healthcare Professionals Regarding Post-Exposure Prophylaxis for Hepatitis B in District Quetta, Balochistan

Authors

  • Mahrukh Ali Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayyed Medical Complex Quetta
  • Noman Khan Prime Teaching Hospital, Peshawar
  • Shahzeb Ali Bugti Bolan Medical Complex Hospital Quetta
  • Almas Mengal Bolan Medical Complex Hospital Quetta
  • Iqra Tariq DHQ Hospital Bhimber

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32413/pjph.v14i1.1180

Keywords:

Hepatitis B, post-exposure prophylaxis, healthcare personnel

Abstract

Background: Healthcare professionals (HCPs) are at increased risk of contracting hepatitis B due to frequent exposure to patients with the disease. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can effectively manage this risk. This study aimed to assess the level of awareness of hepatitis B PEP among healthcare workers in the Quetta district.

Methodology: Conducted from November 1, 2022, to November 30, 2022, this cross-sectional study targeted healthcare professionals in Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan. Data were collected from three main public tertiary care institutions and various private hospitals using simple random sampling. A structured questionnaire covering demographic information, immunization status, and hepatitis B PEP was administered. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 19, summarizing data with frequencies and percentages. Odds ratio analysis was conducted to identify associations between awareness of hepatitis B PEP and other variables.

Results: Of the 263 participants, 181 (68.8%) were female, and 167 (63.5%) were aged 31-40 years. Most participants (88.5%) were doctors, followed by nurses and pharmacists. While 87.1% had heard of hepatitis B PEP, only 11.8% received formal training on it. Awareness of PEP components was lacking, despite familiarity with its existence. Factors associated with awareness included previous PEP knowledge, hepatitis B screening, and perceived job-related risk.

Conclusion: Although many healthcare providers were aware of hepatitis B PEP, knowledge regarding its components was insufficient. Training and education initiatives are crucial to improving awareness and understanding among healthcare professionals.

Author Biographies

  • Noman Khan, Prime Teaching Hospital, Peshawar

    Department of Gastroenterology

    Senior Registrar

  • Shahzeb Ali Bugti, Bolan Medical Complex Hospital Quetta

    Department of Plastic Surgery and Burn

  • Almas Mengal, Bolan Medical Complex Hospital Quetta

    Department of Radiology

  • Iqra Tariq, DHQ Hospital Bhimber

    Consultant Pediatrician

    Department of Paediatrics

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Published

29-03-2024

How to Cite

1.
Ali M, Khan N, Bugti SA, Mengal A, Tariq I. The Knowledge of Healthcare Professionals Regarding Post-Exposure Prophylaxis for Hepatitis B in District Quetta, Balochistan. Pak J Public Health [Internet]. 2024 Mar. 29 [cited 2024 Dec. 11];14(1):38-41. Available from: https://pjph.org/pjph/article/view/1180