Determinants of hepatitis B vaccine uptake among pregnant Chinese women in Hong Kong.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of a history of hepatitis B vaccination among pregnant Chinese women in Hong Kong, and to identify factors associated with vaccine uptake at their own expense.


METHODS
A prospective, cross-sectional survey was conducted in a university obstetric unit in Hong Kong. Pregnant Chinese women who attended the prenatal clinic were invited to complete a self-administered questionnaire, which requested details of their history of hepatitis B vaccination and sociodemographic characteristics.


RESULTS
The prevalence of hepatitis B vaccine uptake was 33%. The following factors were associated with higher hepatitis B vaccine uptake: employment as a healthcare worker; a higher education level; higher monthly family income; routine medical checkups; and premarital checkups.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggest that the public has insufficient awareness of hepatitis B infection in the community and that providing better information and education to the general public is necessary.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China.
Oi Ka
OK
Chan
Stephen Sik Hung
SS
Suen
Terence Tzu-Hsi
TT
Lao
Viola Kit Tong
VK
Leung
Sik Wing
SW
Yeung
Tak Yeung
TY
Leung
D000328:Adult; D044466:Asian People; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult; D016903:Drug Monitoring
D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines