Journal of Bacteriology & Parasitology

Knowledge, attitudes and practice of primary healthcare physicians concerning the occupational risks of hepatitis B virus in Al Jouf Province, Saudi Arabia

3^rd International Congress on Bacteriology and Infectious Diseases

August 04-06, 2015 Valencia, Spain

Ahmad Homoud Al-Hazmi

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Bacteriol Parasitol

Abstract:

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a well-recognized occupational risk for all healthcare workers (HCWs)
worldwide.
Aim: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of primary healthcare (PHC) physicians regarding the
occupational risks of HBV.
Method: In this cross-sectional study, a questionnaire survey was administered to 145 physicians of primary care centers in
the Al Jouf Province of Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire contained questions concerning the knowledge base, attitudes and
practices of physicians regarding the occupational risks of HBV.
Result: The response rate of 82.8% yielded 120 questionnaires for analysis. The majority of physicians surveyed 99 (82.5%) felt
at high risk of contracting and spreading HBV. The vast majority, 115 (95.6%) considered the HBV vaccine safe for all ages.
Of the total 101 (84.2%) were vaccinated. Only 44 (36.7%) physicians recognized that HBV is resistant to alcohol and to some
detergents. During surgical procedures, only a minority of the physicians uses double gloves and wears glasses. Almost all
physicians were willing to subscribe to regular training programs concerning HBV.
Conclusions: A lack of knowledge was determined and the practices of our physicians concerning the occupational risks of
HBV appeared inappropriate. More education focusing on HBV is recommended.

Biography :

Ahmad Homoud Al-Hazmi is an Assistant Professor, Family Physician Consultant at Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, AlJouf University, Saudi
Arabia.