Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Among Palestinian Healthcare Workers in the Gaza Strip Towards Hepatitis B: Cross-sectional survey

OBJECTIVES: Healthcare workers are at high risk of contracting hepatitis B virus (HBV). This survey aimed to identify the gaps and strengths in the knowledge, attitudes and practices of healthcare workers towards HBV to drive appropriate health interventions. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted between March and April 2022. A convenience sample of three at-risk healthcare professions from the major health facilities in Gaza was surveyed. A 40-item self-administered questionnaire was used. Statistical data analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25 to obtain descriptive and inferential statistics via various nonparametric, correlation and regression tests (with P <0.05). RESULTS: A total of 447 healthcare workers participated in the study. Overall, 105 of the participants (23.5%) demonstrated poor knowledge (below 14/20 points) of HBV, 284 (63.5%) had moderate knowledge (14–17 points) and 58 (13%) showed good knowledge. The majority (n = 367, 82.1%) expressed an excellent attitude. Finally, 287 (64.2%) demonstrated a good level of practice regarding HBV infection. A history of needlestick injury was reported by 233 (52.1%) participants, 170 (73.3%) of whom reported taking appropriate preventive actions after exposure. CONCLUSION: The majority of the participants demonstrated overall good knowledge regarding HBV infection. Nonetheless, significant gaps remain in the different aspects of the knowledge, attitude and practice construct that require appropriate awareness campaigns to further limit the spread of this preventable viral infection.