Investigation of household transmission, risk factors and knowledge levels of family members in hepatitis B infection

Introduction Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a worldwide health problem. About two billion people in the world have been infected by HBV and more than 257 million people are carriers of chronic hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). One of the main concerns in HBV carriers is the transmission of infection to family members. The aim of this study was to assess intra familial transmission of HBV and investigate of knowledge levels of family members of chronic HBV patients. Material and methods First-degree relatives of HBsAg positive patients who applied to Yozgat Bozok University Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology outpatient clinic between 11.07.2019 and 11.07.2020 were included in this cross-sectional study. HBsAg, Anti-HBs and Anti-HBc IgG levels developed against Hepatitis B Virus core antigen were evaluated using ELISA method. In addition to sociodemographic data, the level of knowledge of participants about HBV was evaluated by a survey consisting of general information about HBV, transmission routes, and prevention routes. Results The mean age of 266 participants, consisting of first-degree relatives of chronic hepatitis B patients, was 42.6 ± 14.7 (18-75) years. 41% of the participants were male, 59% were female, and 59% had not previously received information about HBV. The frequency of HBsAg, Anti HBs, and Anti-HBc IgG seropositivity was 3.4%, 69.5%, and 35.7%, respectively. HBsAg, Anti-HBs and Anti-HBc IgG seropositivity were 7.7%, 69.5% and 35.7%, respectively. The median correct response rates of the participants to the questions about HBV general knowledge level, transmission routes and prevention methods were 64%, 64% and 57%, respectively. Among the participants, 98,1% were aware of the presence of preventive vaccine and only 67,3% were vaccinated. There was a significant relationship between vaccination status and 84 education level. The general knowledge level of the participants and the age of the participants (p <0.001), education level (p <0.001), place of residence (p <0.001), employment status (p = 0.003), occupational status (p <0.001), income level (p <0.001) A statistically significant correlation was found between their social security (p = 0.003). Conclusion It is observed that the relatives of the patients do not have sufficient information about chronic HBV and the vaccination rates are low. Therefore, comprehensive health education should be provided to patients and their relatives in hospital or community settings for the rational control and management of the disease. Key words: Chronic hepatitis B, Household transmission, Level of knowledge, Vaccination