Hepatitis B Virus Vaccination Awareness and Coverage among Adults Attending Ophthalmology Clinic in Southeast, Nigeria
Published: 2024-02-26
Page: 104-113
Issue: 2024 - Volume 7 [Issue 1]
Arinze Anthony Onwuegbuna *
Department of Ophthalmology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
Akunne Ijeoma Apakama
Department of Ophthalmology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
Ugochukwu Anthony Eze
Department of Ophthalmology, Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, Nigeria.
Chidiebele Malachy Ezeude
Department of Internal Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
Bernard Chukwunonyerem Ochiogu
Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Surgery, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Awka, Nigeria.
Anthonia Chinyelu Udeaja
Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Surgery, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Awka, Nigeria.
Emeka Akujuobi Chianakwalam
Department of Ophthalmology Federal Medical Centre Umuahia, Nigeria.
Charles Chukwudi Uzozie
Department of Ophthalmology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
Christiana Onyinye Ubaka
St. Joseph Eye Hospital Mgbirichi, Owerri, Nigeria.
Chisom God’swill Chigbo
School of public Health, University of Port-Harcourt, Nigeria.
George Uchenna Eleje
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a public health problem affecting millions of people globally and causing severe morbidity and mortality. Sub-Saharan Africa is an endemic region for HBV. But this infection is preventable.
Aim: To determine hepatitis B virus vaccination awareness and coverage among adults attending ophthalmology clinic in Anambra State, Nigeria.
Methods: This was a prospective, descriptive, cross-sectional survey to determine hepatitis B vaccination awareness and coverage among adults attending ophthalmology clinic in Anambra State, Nigeria using a pretested, self-administered and interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire. Information such as sociodemographics, awareness and knowledge of hepatitis B infection and hepatitis B vaccination were collected and analyzed using descriptive variables and tests of significance.
Results: A total of 264 participants were enrolled having met the inclusion criteria. There were 110(41.7%) males and 154(58,3%) females with a ratio of 1:1.4, and the age range of 20-87 years. The mean age was 60.6 years ± 14.8 years. Majority of the participants 96.6 % (n=255) were aware of HBV infection. However, 245(89.4%) do not know how HBV is transmitted. Also, 184(69.7%) do not know about HBV vaccination while 61(23.1%) subjects had received HBV vaccination at least once. Lack of awareness of vaccine is the main reason for not being vaccinated against HBV.
Conclusion: Hepatitis B vaccination coverage among adult patients attending ophthalmology clinic in Nigeria is poor. This is mostly due to lack of awareness of HBV vaccination.
Keywords: Eye clinic, HBV, Nigeria, vaccine coverage