Purpose: To assess the level of
awareness and knowledge of Hepatitis B infection in the
selected area of Puchong, Malaysia.
Methods: A cross sectional study was
conducted among 400 subjects (> 12 yrs of age) using
validated questionnaire which was distributed and
completed by the respondent from January 2013 to April
2013. The data was analyzed using the Statistical
Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software.
Results: Reliability test (Cronbach’s
alpha) was 0.731 and 0.912 for knowledge and awareness,
respectively, in the pilot study. The results showed
that there was a significant difference in the mean
knowledge and awareness of the subjects among various
age groups (p < 0.05), ethnic groups (p < 0.005) and
educational qualifications (p < 0.005). Out of 400
subjects, 48.5 % were not aware of and 66.5 % had never
taken vaccine for Hepatitis B.
Conclusion: Overall, the level of
awareness and knowledge of hepatitis B is low. Each of
the three demographic characteristics such as age group,
ethnic group and educational qualification are a
predictive factor. This low level of awareness and
knowledge should be improved through health education
and frequent vaccination programs on Hepatitis B among
the public; especially in Puchong, Malaysia.
Keywords: Hepatitis B, Knowledge,
Awareness, Reliability test, Survey, Vaccination