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Researchers identify knowledge gap about prevention of HBV vertical transmission in Ghana
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Data from a cross-sectional survey questioning the mechanisms of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus infection in Ghana showed physicians and midwives knew about the virus, but lacked knowledge regarding effective prevention strategies, including the use of vaccination and immunoglobulin.
“Capacity building of health professionals is crucial in preventing mother-to-child transmission of the invisible virus of hepatitis B infection,” Charles Ampong Adjei, Mphil, MPH, BScN, from the department of nursing, Valley View Hospital, Ghana, told Infectious Diseases News.
Using a quantitative approach, Adjei and colleagues surveyed physicians (n = 39) and midwives (n = 87) from five district hospitals in the eastern region of Ghana between August and November 2015, to determine their level of awareness and knowledge about mother-to-child transmission of HBV.
Charles Ampong Adjei
“In Ghana, there is a dearth of empirical evidence on the level of knowledge of midwives and physicians on [mother-to-child transmission] of HBV infection. … This is significant considering the fact that, in Ghana, physicians and midwives are the core staff that request hepatitis B screening during pregnancy and administer hepatitis B vaccine and immunoglobulin to newborns at birth,” the researchers wrote.
Data showed that physicians and midwives had good knowledge on mother-to-child transmission of HBV, but did not know effective prevention methods. Surveyed participants all indicated they were aware of HBV, based on previous medical training or midwife experience (56.3%), followed by workshops and seminars (22.2%) and other sources (14.3%). However, 49.2% of respondents indicated they never attended a workshop or seminar on mother-to-child transmission of HBV since completion of their formal training.
In addition, 31% of those who responded did not understand the need to vaccinate children born to mothers positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) or hepatitis B e antigen; only 14.3% of respondents realized that HBsAg is a serological marker for HBV. Only 12.7% of responders know a vaccine existed to prevent mother-to-child transmission, and 35.7% considered cesarean section the most effective measure to prevent transmission over any vaccine.
“Developing appropriate periodic training programs on current issues of hepatitis B for physicians and midwives … will further enhance their knowledge,” Adjei and colleagues wrote. “It is recommended that further study [be conducted to] examine if the knowledge of the respondents is translated into practice.” – by Melinda Stevens
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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