Public awareness of hepatitis B infection: a population-based telephone survey in Hong Kong.
OBJECTIVE
To test our hypothesis that there is inadequate knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B infection among the general population in Hong Kong.


METHODS
A random telephone survey using a structured multiple-choice questionnaire.


METHODS
Hong Kong community.


METHODS
Hong Kong residents aged 18 years or above.


RESULTS
A total of 506 respondents were successfully interviewed in February 2010. Approximately half of respondents (55%) were aware that hepatitis B virus is the most common cause of chronic viral hepatitis in Hong Kong. Regarding knowledge about the mode of transmission, mother-to-infant transmission and blood contact were recognised as risk factors by 67% and 65% of respondents, respectively. Transmission by sexual contact, sharing a razor or toothbrush, and tattooing or body piercing were appreciated by 44%, 41%, and 37% of respondents, respectively. A majority (73%) had the mistaken belief that the virus is transmitted by eating contaminated seafood. Over half of respondents (53%) knew nothing about the clinical presentation of acute hepatitis B. Only 35% of respondents realised that periodic abdominal ultrasonographic examinations are indicated for asymptomatic hepatitis B carriers. While 51% of respondents reported being tested for hepatitis B virus infection, only 36% acknowledged being vaccinated against the infection. Education level, occupation, and marital status were factors associated with both hepatitis B virus screening and vaccination.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings support our hypothesis that there is inadequate knowledge and awareness about hepatitis B infection in the general population in Hong Kong.
Department of Medicine, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Chai Wan, Hong Kong. dr_cmleung@hotmail.com
C M
CM
Leung
W H
WH
Wong
K H
KH
Chan
L S W
LS
Lai
Y W
YW
Luk
J Y
JY
Lai
Y W
YW
Yeung
W H
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Hui
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013689:Telephone; D014611:Vaccination