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. 2008 Apr 23:8:132.
doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-8-132.

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

Karl Schenkel  1 , Doris Radun, Viviane Bremer, Nikolaus Bocter, Osamah Hamouda
Affiliations

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

Karl Schenkel et al. BMC Public Health. .

Abstract

Background: 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.

Methods: 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.

Results: 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.

Conclusion: We conclude that educational measures could lead to a higher vaccination uptake in adult target groups.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Attitudes and opinions towards the HB vaccine, and vaccines in general. (All participants and target groups for HB vaccination. Standardised results (sex, age group and regional distribution) for overall Germany, November 2004 (n = 412)
Figure 2
Figure 2
Identification of etiologic agents for HB in sample population. Standardised results (sex, age group and regional distribution), Germany, November 2004 (n = 412)
Figure 3
Figure 3
Knowledge on transmission modes for HB (all participants, target groups for HB vaccination, other participants). Standardised results (sex, age group and residency (East/West Germany) November 2004, (n= 412)
Figure 4
Figure 4
Knowledge about protective measures to avoid HB (overall sample, target groups for HB vaccination, other population groups). Standardised results (sex, age group and regional distribution), November 2004 (n= 412)
Figure 5
Figure 5
Point estimate (OR) and 95% confidence intervals of factors associated with. positive vaccination status (bivariate analysis) Non-standardised results, Germany, November 2004 (n = 412)
Figure 6
Figure 6
Sources of information on vaccine related issues by age group. Standardised results (sex, age group and regional distribution), Germany, November 2004 (n = 412)
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