Original Article KNOWLEDGE REGARDING HEPATITIS-B AMONG EPI VACCINATORS WORKING IN DISTRICT SOUTH, KARACHI

Objective: To determine the level of knowledge among EPI vaccinators of district South, Karachi, regarding Hepatitis B virus infection. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in District South, Karachi, Pakistan in June 2003. All vaccinators working in EPI program in the South district of Karachi and having experience of more than one year were included 122 vaccinators were interviewed through a semi-structured pre-tested questionnaire. The data collected was entered in EPI info 6 version and was analyzed by using statistical package SPSS. Results: One hundred twenty two vaccinators were interviewed. About 80 % were male and 20% were female. Forty three percent had intermediate, 27 % matriculate, 23 % graduate and 4.9% postgraduate education. Majority (95%) mentioned that liver is affected by hepatitis B. Only 64% responded that a virus is the cause. Regarding transmission of hepatitis B, 47 % mentioned infected blood transfusion, 50 % contaminated needles, 25 % un sterilized instruments and only 22 % mentioned sexual contact. It is diagnosed clinically and by laboratory according to 22 % and 76 % respondents respectively. A 65 % mentioned that it is curable and 38.5 % said it is a preventable disease. Vaccination, use of disposable syringes, use of sterilized instruments and practicing safe sex can prevent Hepatitis B according to 34%, 30%, 13 % and 6.5 % vaccinators respectively. Conclusion: Our study concluded that the knowledge about hepatitis B among vaccinators is inadequate. There should be ongoing training program for their professional development