Public awareness of hepatitis B infection: a population-based telephone survey in Hong Kong

• Published in: Hong Kong medical journal = Xianggang yi xue za zhi 2010-12, Vol.16 (6), p.463
• Main Authors: Leung, C M, Wong, W H, Chan, K H, Lai, L S W, Luk, Y W, Lai, J Y, Yeung, Y W, Hui, W H
• Format: Article
• Language: chi ; eng
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Body piercing; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Hepatitis B; Hepatitis B - prevention & control; Hepatitis B - transmission; Humans; Hypotheses; Infections; Male; Middle Aged; Multiple choice; Surveys and Questionnaires; Telephone; Vaccination
• ISSN: 1024-2708; 2226-8707

To test our hypothesis that there is inadequate knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B infection among the general population in Hong Kong. A random telephone survey using a structured multiple-choice questionnaire. Hong Kong community. Hong Kong residents aged 18 years or above. A total of 506 respondents were successfully interviewed in February 2010. Approximately half of respondents (55%) were aware that hepatitis B virus is the most common cause of chronic viral hepatitis in Hong Kong. Regarding knowledge about the mode of transmission, mother-to-infant transmission and blood contact were recognised as risk factors by 67% and 65% of respondents, respectively. Transmission by sexual contact, sharing a razor or toothbrush, and tattooing or body piercing were appreciated by 44%, 41%, and 37% of respondents, respectively. A majority (73%) had the mistaken belief that the virus is transmitted by eating contaminated seafood. Over half of respondents (53%) knew nothing about the clinical presentation of acute hepatitis B. Only 35% of respondents realised that periodic abdominal ultrasonographic examinations are indicated for asymptomatic hepatitis B carriers. While 51% of respondents reported being tested for hepatitis B virus infection, only 36% acknowledged being vaccinated against the infection. Education level, occupation, and marital status were factors associated with both hepatitis B virus screening and vaccination. These findings support our hypothesis that there is inadequate knowledge and awareness about hepatitis B infection in the general population in Hong Kong.