Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Hepatitis B Prevention and Immunization of Pregnant Women and Mothers in Viet Nam

• Published in: bioRxiv
• Main Authors: Thi Thanh Hang Pham, Nguyen, Thuy X, Nguyen, Dong T, Luu, Chau Minh, Truong, Bac D, Tran, Phu D, Pham, Hang, Asian Liver Center At Stanford University, Stanford, California, Usa General Department Of P
• Format: Paper
• Language: English
• Published: Cold Spring Harbor Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press 14.11.2018
• Subjects: Chronic infection; Demography; Hepatitis; Hepatitis B; Immunization; Infants; Knowledge; Liver cancer; Mothers; Postpartum; Pregnancy; Prevention; Public health; Vaccination; Womens health; Vietnam
• DOI: 10.1101/470849

Background and Aim: Vietnam s high burden of liver cancer is largely attributable to the high prevalence of chronic hepatitis B virus infection (HBV). Infection at birth due to mother-to-child (MTC) transmission is the most common cause of chronic HBV in Vietnam and increases the risk of liver cancer later in life. This study was undertaken to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of pregnant women and mothers in Vietnam concerning HBV prevention and immunization. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Quang Ninh and Hoa Binh provinces in 2017. A pre-designed questionnaire was administered to women when they received care at primary and tertiary maternal health clinics. Correct responses were summarized as knowledge scores. Data was analyzed using a multivariable regression model across participant demographics. Results: Among the 404 women surveyed, 57.6% were pregnant and 42.4% were postpartum. Despite 73.5% of participants reporting having received information about HBV during their pregnancy, gaps in knowledge and misconceptions are evident. Overall, only 10.6% provided correct answers to all questions regarding HBV transmission routes and prevention measures. Around half of the participants incorrectly believed that HBV is transmitted through sneezing, contaminated water or sharing foods with chronic HBV patients. Although 96.4% of participants believed that HBV vaccination is necessary for infants, only 69.1% were willing to have their own child vaccinated within 24 hours. More than a third of participants expressed concern about having casual contacts or sharing foods with chronic HBV patients. In multivariable analysis, having received information about HBV during their pregnancy were consistently associated with better knowledge score for transmission, prevention and immunization. However, knowledge of women who received information about HBV during their pregnancy was still suboptimal. Conclusions: The results highlight the need to prioritize educating pregnant women and mothers in future public health campaigns in order to increase knowledge, reduce misperception, and improve HBV vaccine coverage in Vietnam.