Hepatitis B knowledge awareness and seroprevalence status in patients applying to pamukkale university hospital amatem polyclinic

AMATEM is a center that provides outpatient and inpatient treatment services to individuals aged 18 and over with alcohol and substance addiction. Alcohol and substance addiction is a chronic brain disease that negatively affects the individual's life. In 2021, it was reported that intravenous drug use increased and these individuals were more prone to infectious diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global public health problem and the implementation of effective vaccination programs in many countries has resulted in a significant reduction in the incidence of new hepatitis B infections. However, HBV infection remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality. The importance of infectious disease detection, vaccination and hygiene measures, and psychiatric support are emphasized in the treatment of substance abuse. There are 135 addiction treatment centers in Turkey and Pamukkale University has an AMATEM and provides addiction services. In this study, it was aimed to examine Hepatitis B knowledge, awareness and seroprevelance status of patients applying to Pamukkale University AMATEM Polyclinic and to determine the associated risk factors.The population of the cross-sectional study included those who applied to Pamukkale University AMATEM outpatient clinic for examination or control purposes in 2021-2022. The questionnaire form questioned the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants, the transmission route of Hepatitis B disease, awareness and knowledge levels. The Hepatitis B Knowledge and Awareness Scale consisting of 16 questions in 3-point Likert type was used to measure hepatitis B knowledge and awareness. Descriptive statistics were given with number, percentage, mean, standard deviation, median, minimum and maximum values; Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis tests were used to compare continuous variables. Multiple linear regression analysis (backward) was performed to determine the factors affecting the level of hepatitis B knowledge and awareness. 245 people were reached in the study. . The mean total score of the Hepatitis B Knowledge and Awareness scale was 37.64±5.31.The score of the participants who said yes to the question "Is hepatitis B transmitted through the use of a used syringe or accidental sticking?" was found to be higher (B=2.709 %95GA=1.325-4.093 p<0.001). In the question "Can Hepatitis B disease be transmitted during tooth extraction/treatment under unhygienic conditions?", the score of those who said yes was higher (B=1,794 %95GA=0,518-3,069 p=0,006). In the question "Does having sex with women or men who engage in prostitution/paid sex increase the risk of Hepatitis B transmission?", the score of those who said yes was higher (B=3,728 %95GA=2,266-5,189 p<0,001). The total score of the Hepatitis B Knowledge and Awareness Scale of the patients who applied to AMATEM outpatient clinic is close to good level. Considering the rates of HBsAg positivity and chronicity, it is of great importance to inform the communities, especially the groups at risk for HBV transmission, and health professionals have a great share in this issue.