TO STUDY KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE & PRACTICES TOWARDS IMMUNIZATION AGAINST HEPATITIS B VIRUS INFECTION AMONGST NURSING STAFF OF M.G. HOSPITAL, BHILWARA
Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a double-stranded circular DNA virus and member of the Hepadnaviridae family of viruses. Methods: This cross sectional study was done on 250 nursing staff. There were total 263 nursing staff in this hospital out of which 250 enrolled voluntarily to participate in this study. The objective, nature and benefits of this study were explained and informed & written consent was taken from all participants. All nursing staff were interviewed structured self-completed quaternaries. Results: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is an occupational health hazard preventable by vaccination. 78% of nursing staff know that Hep B is a vaccine preventable. 42% of participants knew that getting vaccinated offers a protection from infection for 15 years. 16% of nursing staff are aware that a titre value of more than 10 ml U/ml is needed for protection from Hepatitis B infection. 84% of nursing staff are willing to motivate others and encourage them to get vaccinated against Hepatitis B. Conclusion: This study highlighted the need to have nursing staff educated regarding significance of immunization against vaccine preventable disease. Keywords- Hepatitis, Immunization, Liver,