Viral hepatitis in Germany: poor vaccination coverage and little knowledge about transmission in target groups

• Main Authors: Bocter Nikolaus (Author), Bremer Viviane (Author), Radun Doris (Author), Schenkel Karl (Author), Hamouda Osamah (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: BMC, 2008-04-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 10.1186/1471-2458-8-132; 1471-2458
• Keywords: Public aspects of medicine; RA1-1270
• Source: BMC Public Health, Vol 8, Iss 1, p 132 (2008)

<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>