Viral hepatitis in Germany: poor vaccination coverage and little knowledge about transmission in target groups
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In Germany, vaccination against hepatitis B is recommended for infants, children and adolescents since 1995 and for specific target groups since 1982. Little is known about knowledge about viral hepatitis and attitudes toward hepatit...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Book |
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BMC,
2008-04-01T00:00:00Z.
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| Summary: | <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In Germany, vaccination against hepatitis B is recommended for infants, children and adolescents since 1995 and for specific target groups since 1982. Little is known about knowledge about viral hepatitis and attitudes toward hepatitis B vaccination-factors likely to influence vaccine uptake.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>In order to estimate vaccination coverage in adult target groups and in the overall adult population and to assess knowledge and attitudes, we conducted a nationwide cross-sectional telephone survey among 412 persons in November 2004. We defined participants as being vaccinated if they reported at least one previous vaccination against hepatitis B.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Vaccination coverage (vc) standardised for age, sex and residence was 29.6% in the general population and 58.2% in target groups for hepatitis B vaccination. Particular gaps in vaccine coverage were detected among health care workers (vc: 69.5%) and chronically ill persons (vc: 22.0%). Knowledge on risk factors and transmission was far below expectations, whereas the acceptance of vaccination in the majority of the population (79.0%) was good.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>We conclude that educational measures could lead to a higher vaccination uptake in adult target groups.</p> |
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| Item Description: | 10.1186/1471-2458-8-132 1471-2458 |