Knowledge, Attitude and Perception of Pregnant Women Towards Hepatitis B Vaccine in University of Medical Science Teaching Hospital Complex, Ondo State

Abstract

Hepatitis is a serious global public health concern and a major source of liver- related morbidity and mortality. When a mother has an infection, the virus can be passed from her to her unborn child through needle-stick injuries, unsterilized surgical tools, contact with infected blood or bodily fluids, and sexual contact. This study examined the knowledge, attitude and perception of pregnant women towards hepatitis B in University of Medical Science Teaching Hospital Complex, Antenatal Clinic, Ondo, Ondo State. A descriptive cross- sectional study design was used for the research. A total of 343 pregnant women was selected using a convenience sampling technique. Data was analyzed using SPSS and presented using frequencies, tables, and percentages. Majority of the respondents 174 (50.7%) are between the age range of 31-40 years old, 289 (84.3%) are Christians, 329 (95.9%) are married, and 224 (65.3%) are self-employed. Only roughly half of the respondents—174, or 50.7%—had good attitudes and knowledge, whereas the majority—224, or 65.3%—had favorable opinions on hepatitis vaccination. inference drawn from the hypothesis depict that the level of education of the respondents has an influence or impact on the knowledge of the respondents on hepatitis B vaccine age. Those with higher level of education have good level of knowledge on hepatitis B vaccine. The HBV vaccine gives healthy infants, children and adults a protective concentration of anti-HBs in 90-100% of the cases if the vaccination schedule is properly followed. The government should prioritize the prevention and control of hepatitis B by implementing vaccination programs.