Abstract

SILVA-JUNIOR, Manoelito Ferreira et al. Current knowledge on the need for hepatitis B immunization among academians in the healthcare field of a Brazilian university. Arq. Odontol. [online]. 2014, vol.50, n.3, pp. 131-137. ISSN 1516-0939.

Aim: This study aimed to assess the current knowledge on hepatitis B vaccinations among the medical, dental and nursing students at the Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES). Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional methodology using a quantitative and qualitative approach was implemented through a semi-structured questionnaire applied to 298 healthcare students. The quantitative data were expressed in absolute and relative frequencies and the qualitative data analysis followed Bardin's content analysis. Results: Of the students who believe that vaccination is mandatory, 83 (61.02%) are medical students, 63 (77.77%) nursing students, and 50 (61.72%) dental students. The highest percentage of students vaccinated against hepatitis B were medical students, at 109 (80.14%), followed by nursing students, at 58 (71.60%), and finally dental students, at 54 (66.66%). In the qualitative approach, there has been only one main theme: Access. Various locations were cited for students to obtain care in case of a needle stick type injury. Conclusion: Even though there is sufficient knowledge regarding the need to receive hepatitis B vaccination on the part of scholars in the healthcare field at UFES, many still affirm that they have not been vaccinated. Thus, there is a need for prevention and clarification campaigns to help improve healthcare student compliance with the vaccination.

Keywords : Hepatitis B.; Occupacional risks.; Immunization.; Vaccination..