title: Perception of general population about hepatitis B: a cross-sectional study.
abstract: Hepatitis B, is one of the major public health problems can be controlled with the active participation of the community. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the immunization clinic of Burdwan Medical College to identify the level of people's perception on the diseases Hepatitis B. A total of 210 individuals accompanying the children for routine immunization were interviewed. The study result showed that majority (65.3%) of the respondents were unaware that the diseases is caused by virus and 46.2% were unaware on transmission of disease. 38% of the respondents were unaware regarding the future consequences of the diseases. The knowledge on the preventive measures against Hepatitis B was high (76.2%) among the respondents. Incorrect knowledge in relation to vaccination like interval of vaccination, necessity of re-vaccination was 88.6%, 86.7% respectively. 49% had no idea about ideal age for vaccination. Significant difference of knowledge was found between illiterate and just-literate group with primary, secondary & above group (p< 0.05). Receipt of vaccine (15.6%) also significantly more (p< 0.05) in case of higher income group.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Medicine, Burdwan Medical College.
authors.forename: Anima
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Haldar
authors.forename: Amitabha
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sarkar
authors.forename: Urmila
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Dasgupta
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology* / Q000635:transmission; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011634:Public Health
chemical_list: D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines