Mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B: extent of knowledge of physicians and midwives in Eastern region of Ghana

BMC Public Health

Research Article

Charles Ampong Adjei¹  Fidelis Atibila²  Gilbert Nachinab Ti-enkawol³  Richard Asamoah⁴  Michael Ansah-Nyarko⁵ 

[1] Department of Nursing, Valley View University, Box AF 595,, Adentan, Accra, Ghana;Dormaa Presbyterian Hospital, Box 47, Dormaa Ahenkro, Ghana;Presbyterian Nurses’ Training College, Box 45, Bawku, Upper East Region, Ghana;University of Ghana Hospital, Legon, Accra, Ghana;University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana;

关键词: Hepatitis B;    Mother-to-child;    Knowledge;    Ghana;    Physicians;    Midwives;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12889-016-3215-6

 received in 2015-12-05, accepted in 2016-06-15,  发布年份 2016

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundMother -to -Child transmission of hepatitis B infection remains a major public health concern particularly in Africa. Adequate knowledge of physicians and midwives is crucial in averting most of the hepatitis B viral transmissions from mothers to their new-borns. However, there is a dearth of evidence on extent of knowledge of physicians and midwives in Ghana inspite of the increasing incidence of hepatitis B infection in the country. This study therefore assessed the knowledge level of physicians and midwives regarding Mother-to-Child transmission of hepatitis B in the Eastern region of Ghana.MethodsA Cross sectional survey was conducted between August to November, 2015 using semi-structured self-administered questionnaire. Study participants were recruited from five health facilities and their level of awareness and knowledge about Mother-to-Child transmission of hepatitis B were assessed. The level of statistical significance was set at 0.05 alpha level.ResultsThe findings showed that both physicians and midwives had good knowledge on Mother-to-Child transmission of hepatitis B infection. However, there were some knowledge gaps regarding effective hepatitis B prevention from mother to their newborns such as the use of hepatitis B vaccine and immunoglobulin. Additionally, 49.2 % (n = 62) of the participants had never attended any workshop on Mother-to-Child transmission of hepatitis B since completion of formal training.ConclusionsDeveloping appropriate periodic training programmes on current issues of hepatitis B for physicians and midwives in Eastern region will further enhance their knowledge. It is recommended that, further study examine if the knowledge of the respondents is translated into practice.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© The Author(s). 2016