Individuals attending STD clinics are at high risk for hepatitis B (HBV). Yet reported HBV vaccination rates in this population are low - despite HBV vaccine being commonly offered to clients. The current study examines HBV vaccine knowledge, beliefs, attitudes and behavior among high-risk populations at an urban STD clinic.
The researchers administered a survey assessing HBV vaccine knowledge, attitudes and beliefs to clients seeking services at an STD clinic prior to seeing a physician. Immediately after the clinical visit, the subjects were interviewed and asked whether they had accepted HBV vaccination and their reasons for accepting or declining.
The researchers reported that 50 percent of unvaccinated subjects elected to receive an HBV vaccine dose at the current visit. Significant predictors for accepting vaccination included having a vaccinated acquaintance, perceived risk of disease, perceived healthfulness of vaccine, and recommendation by clinician. Knowledge regarding HBV risks and outcomes was not related to vaccine choices, the authors noted. Furthermore, patients expressed concern about vaccine safety and provider motivation.
The authors concluded that acquaintances and physicians play a central role in the decision to be vaccinated, in addition to risk perception and familiarity with the HBV vaccine. They also noted that mistrust of the medical community and of vaccines is a barrier to acceptance of HBV vaccine.