Knowledge concerning hepatitis B vaccinations among nursing staff

Background. Infection with hepatitis B virus is considered one of the main occupational risks among nursing staff. Vaccination provides the best prevention of diseases. Objectives. The aim of our study was to assess general knowledge concerning vaccination against hepatitis B among nursing staff. Material and methods. A self-fulfilled survey was performed among 108 nurses from a teaching pediatric hospital in Warsaw. Results. Most of responders found their knowledge about hepatitis B vaccine as good (61-86%). 82-96% of nursing staff knew that this vaccination was obligatory for health care workers. 66-77% of them knew that the basic scheme of vaccination consisted of three doses. 83-89% of responders preferred scheme 0-1-6 months. 73-92% of responders indicated correct contraindications for vaccination. 59-61% of nursing staff would correctly plan vaccinations in case of missing doses, prolonged intervals among doses. 50-59% of them knew that vaccination against hepatitis B might be given simultaneously with other vaccines. 59-62% of responders knew the level of anty HBs antibodies which was believed as protective. Conclusions. The general knowledge concerning hepatitis B vaccinations among nursing personnel is not sufficient. Personnel of surgical wards has worse knowledge comparing to personnel of other wards. It is essential to improve the knowledge about hepatitis B vaccination among nursing staff by providing more efficient educational activities.