Coverage of Hepatitis-B vaccination among the healthcare providers of a tertiary care hospital in Odisha: A cross-sectional study

Background: Hepatitis B (Hep-B) infection is the major cause of acute and chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide and has long been recognized as an occupational hazard among healthcare workers (HCWs). Thus, this study was planned to evaluate the coverage of Hep-B vaccine among healthcare providers (HCPs) in a tertiary care hospital in Odisha. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among HCPs of Hi-Tech Medical College and Hospital. A total of 300 HCPs were selected for the study by a stratified random sampling technique. A proportionate sampling of 26.2% from the doctor population of 280, i.e., 73, and 26.2% of the paramedic population of 865, i.e. 227, were selected by using a random number table to meet the sample size of 300. A self-designed, semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the participants. Data on demographics and knowledge regarding Hep-B aspects were also collected. Results: One hundred and two (34%) participants had adequate knowledge and 198 (66%) participants had poor knowledge of Hep-B. The overall prevalence of Hep-B vaccination acceptance was 71.3%. 70% of the health workers had received the full three-dose vaccination schedule, while 6% had received two doses, 3.7% had received one dose, and 20% were unvaccinated. Conclusion: Coverage of complete immunization was low. The level of knowledge regarding the disease was also not satisfactory. Education programs should focus on increasing HCWs' perceived severity of occupational exposure to the Hep-B virus.