Abstract:
Background: Hepatitis B virus infection is a global health problem and it is estimated that one-third
of the world population has been infected with HBV with serological evidence of past or present
infection. It is estimated that over 400 million people are chronically infected with Hepatitis B
globally. Currently, its prevalence among the Ugandans is about 10% (3.5 million people). The aim
of this study was to determine the prevalence and Health workers’ perspective on Hepatitis B in
Ngora District, Eastern Uganda. Methods: The study involved mixed methods. A retrospective study was used to determine the
prevalence of Hepatitis B in Ngora district where laboratory records were reviewed. A questionnaire
was administered to the research participants to assess their knowledge and attitude on Hepatitis B.
Consecutive sampling technique was used for selection where every health workers on duty who
consented to participate took part in the study. Questionnaires were administered to the participants
and analysis was done by use of SPSS.
Results: The overall prevalence of hepatitis B in Ngora was 7.5% (3939/52603). Majority of the
Health Workers had low knowledge on the cause, signs and symptoms, transmission, risk factors,
complications and management of hepatitis B. Majority of the health workers had a positive attitude
towards hepatitis B as expressed by their willingness to participate in screening, caring for the
patients and participation in vaccination
Conclusion: Whereas the prevalence of Hepatitis B in Ngora district was lower than the national
average, it was high compared to the prevalence in the eastern region. Health workers’ Knowledge
on Hepatitis B in Ngora district was low and this may have contributed to the high prevalence of
Hepatitis B in Ngora district.
Recommendation: We recommend training of all the health workers in Ngora District in form of
short courses on continuous medical education (CMEs) on Hepatitis B to bridge knowledge gap.
