Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, and Associated Factors of Healthcare Workers Toward Hepatitis B Post‐Exposure Prophylaxis in Ethiopia: A Cross‐Sectional Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major occupational hazard for healthcare workers (HCWs), particularly in low‐resource settings. Timely and appropriate post‐exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is essential to prevent HBV transmission following occupational exposure; however, its effective use depends largely on healthcare workers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). Objective To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of healthcare workers regarding HBV post‐exposure prophylaxis and to identify factors associated with adequate knowledge. Methods A hospital‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted from January to March 2025 at Wachemo University Nigist Eleni Mohammed Memorial Comprehensive Hospital, Ethiopia. Using stratified and systematic random sampling, 422 HCWs were selected. Data were collected using a structured self‐administered questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS version 26. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with adequate knowledge. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Of the 422 eligible HCWs, 400 participated (response rate: 94.8%). Only 32.5% demonstrated adequate knowledge of HBV PEP, although 70.0% had a positive attitude. HBV vaccination coverage and PEP utilization following occupational exposure were low. Factors independently associated with adequate knowledge included prior HBV‐related training (AOR = 2.10; 95% CI: 1.20–3.90), history of occupational exposure (AOR = 3.72; 95% CI: 2.38–5.80), positive attitude toward PEP (AOR = 3.35; 95% CI: 1.95–5.78), and HBV vaccination status (AOR = 1.07; 95% CI: 1.01–2.86). Conclusions Despite positive attitudes, healthcare workers demonstrated substantial gaps in knowledge and practice of HBV PEP, leading to underutilization of services; strengthening training, vaccination coverage, and institutional PEP guidelines is essential to improve occupational safety in low‐resource settings.