Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Towards Hepatitis B Infection and HBV Vaccine Among the Healthy Population in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the main causes of end-stage liver disease. The study aims to assess knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) regarding HBV infection and its vaccine in Makkah to help improve and refine preventive strategies.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study using an electronic questionnaire distributed through social media platforms to assess KAP related to HBV infection and its vaccine among 400 healthy adults living in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

RESULTS

The study assessed KAP with regard to HBV infection among 413 participants, predominantly male (55.0%) with a high educational level (69.0% holding university degrees). Participants displayed strong knowledge, achieving a 74.35% correct response rate, with 85.7% recognising it as a viral infection and 91.3% acknowledging its preventability. Attitudes towards vaccination were positive, with 84.62% supporting its necessity and 90.8% affirming its effectiveness. Practice patterns showed proactive prevention, with 64.2% of them being vaccinated and 87.4% valuing early immunisation for children. Higher education correlated with better knowledge and attitude, indicating a high level of awareness and positive behaviour towards hepatitis B and its vaccination among participants.

CONCLUSION

The study found that a high percentage of respondents in Makkah, Saudi Arabia (90.3%) recognised the importance of hepatitis B vaccination, with 80.4% willing to avoid high-risk contact with infected individuals. Despite this awareness, misconceptions and stigma persist, especially among certain demographic groups.