Knowledge of hepatitis B and vaccination status of some expatriate ethnic groups of blue collar workers in northern Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

To find out the level of knowledge and vaccination status of some expatriate ethnic groups of blue color workers. Hepatitis B [HBV] infection is relatively common throughout the world, but more prevalent in low socioeconomic and underprivileged classes. The chronic infection may lead to severe consequences including Hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC]. A cross-sectional, community-based survey of some ethnic expatriate groups of blue color workers [n=665] living in four main areas along the Northern Borders of Saudi Arabia was completed in 2005. We examined knowledge of HBV and vaccination status and compared them with some socio-demographic factors. The mean age of the participants was 45.61 years [ +/- 8.44], 53% of whom were Non-Arabs [Non Arabic speaking]. Of the total, 41.6% gave seven or more correct answers out of 12 questions addressing knowledge about the transmission and sequelae of HBV. Almost 40% of the respondents had not been vaccinated while the remaining respondents had had three full doses of vaccination. A high level of knowledge [>/= 7 correct answers] was significantly associated [p<0.05] with higher level of education, vaccination status, ethnic groups, occupation, age, marital status, and the time spent in Saudi Arabia. Income and type of accommodation were not associated [p>0.05] with level of knowledge. However vaccination status was associated [p<0.05] with almost all socio-demographic factors