Exposure to risk factors for hepatitis B and C viruses among primary school teachers in Karachi.
BACKGROUND
The study aimed to determine hepatitis B vaccination status and assess the exposure of risk factors for hepatitis B and C among primary schoolteachers in Karachi, Pakistan.


METHODS
In two hundred school teachers from 30 primary schools in Karachi participated in the study between January and June 2008 by completing an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire. Exposure to and knowledge of hepatitis B and C were assessed, as well as mode of transmission and prevention. The percentage of vaccinated and non-vaccinated teachers was also estimated.


RESULTS
Only 73 (36.5%) respondents were vaccinated against HBV. Nine percent (17) of the teachers had received more than 10 therapeutic injections while about 56% (101) took between 5-10 injections per annum. Fifteen (8%) of the teachers confirmed they had been injected with re-used syringes. More than 8% (17) of participants' family members were suffering from hepatitis B or C, while 10% (20) of family members had died of liver diseases without any known history. More than 13% (27) of participants shared razors, brushes, cigarettes and hukahs. Statistically significant difference was also observed in risk factors of hepatitis B and C among male and female respondents.


CONCLUSIONS
Hepatitis B vaccination among school teachers of Karachi was around 37% with a high use of therapeutic injections and syringe reuse. Health awareness programs and educational workshops are needed for teachers, who can later educate the children.
PMRC Specialized Research Center, National Institute of Child Health (NICH), Karachi, Pakistan. a_m_bukero@yahoo.com
Muhammad Ayaz
MA
Mustufa
Ashfaque Ahmed
AA
Memon
Sadia
S
Nasim
Anjum
A
Shahid
Sobiya Mohiuddin
SM
Omar
D000328:Adult; D005178:Faculty; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017918:Orthohepadnavirus; D010154:Pakistan / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012574:Schools; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014611:Vaccination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines