Exposure to risk factors for hepatitis B and C viruses among primary school teachers in Karachi.

INTRODUCTION The study aimed to determine hepatitis B vaccination status and assess the exposure of risk factors for hepatitis B and C among primary schoolteachers in Karachi, Pakistan. METHODOLOGY In two hundred school teachers from 30 primary schools in Karachi participated in the study between January and June 2008 by completing an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire. Exposure to and knowledge of hepatitis B and C were assessed, as well as mode of transmission and prevention. The percentage of vaccinated and non-vaccinated teachers was also estimated. RESULTS Only 73 (36.5%) respondents were vaccinated against HBV. Nine percent (17) of the teachers had received more than 10 therapeutic injections while about 56% (101) took between 5-10 injections per annum. Fifteen (8%) of the teachers confirmed they had been injected with re-used syringes. More than 8% (17) of participants' family members were suffering from hepatitis B or C, while 10% (20) of family members had died of liver diseases without any known history. More than 13% (27) of participants shared razors, brushes, cigarettes and hukahs. Statistically significant difference was also observed in risk factors of hepatitis B and C among male and female respondents. CONCLUSION Hepatitis B vaccination among school teachers of Karachi was around 37% with a high use of therapeutic injections and syringe reuse. Health awareness programs and educational workshops are needed for teachers, who can later educate the children.