Knowledge and practices toward Hepatitis B virus infection among Healthcare workers in three regions of Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are key players in the elimination of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Africa. Data on their knowledge and practices are scarce in Côte d’Ivoire. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge and practices of HCWs from three regions of Côte d’Ivoire toward HBV infection, and to identify their associated factors.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from February to March 2019 in three regions of Côte d’Ivoire: Abidjan (South), Bouaké (Center) and Korhogo (North). Five tertiary, 13 secondary and 13 primary health facilities were selected. All HCWs from the selected centers, including physicians, nurses, midwives, laboratory technicians and care assistants, aged 18 years and above, who agreed to participate were included. A standardized, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with good knowledge, HBV infection screening and vaccination uptake.Results: A total of 705 HCWs were included at a median age of 37 years [IQR: 32-44]: 193 (27.4%) physicians, 185 (26.2%) nurses, 119 (16.9%) midwives, 77(10.9%) laboratory technicians and 131 (18.6%) care assistants. Overall, 239 (33.9%) had good knowledge, 403 (57.2%) were screened, 505 (71.6%) received at least one dose of HBV vaccine, and 219 (31.1%) had been exposed to blood and/or body fluids in the previous 12 months. Predictors for good knowledge included being a physician and working in a tertiary health facility. Predictors for screening included being a laboratory technician and working in a tertiary health facility, while those for vaccination included being a female and having had a history of screening.Conclusions: This study showed a relatively poor level of knowledge and practices of HCWs toward HBV infection in Côte d'Ivoire. Thus, training on HBV knowledge and primary prevention measures should be implemented among HCWs as well as national public health policies and strategies for HBV screening and vaccination.