BACKGROUND: China is a country with a high prevalence of hepatitis B. As a special population, migrant workers are more vulnerable to hepatitis B.
OBJECTIVES: The present study was conducted to gain insight into the prevalence of hepatitis B and knowledge about hepatitis B among migrant workers in Shandong Province, China, as well as to explore a series of strategies for preventing and controlling the spread and prevalence of hepatitis B.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted without age restriction, in Shandong Province in China. The sample-size was determined scientifically. The study population was selected using the random multistage cluster sampling. Personal information, including sex, age, ethnicity, marital status, education level, years of duration of stay in Jinan and health insurance were obtained from 2065 migrant workers. Moreover, blood samples were collected for hepatitis B infection screening. Knowledge about hepatitis B was assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. Correct response rates were calculated.
RESULTS: Of 2065 migrant workers tested for hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg), 167 (126 men and 41 women) tested positive for HBsAg; the overall prevalence was 8.1%. The prevalence rates in men and women were 9.6% and 5.4%, respectively. The prevalence rates in subjects 18 - 30 years old and 30 years older were 3.5% and 9.3%, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between those groups (P < 0.05). Correct response rates for the transmission of hepatitis B questions were low, especially for a question regarding whether hepatitis B can be transferred by sexual contact (36.8%) and whether it can be transferred from mothers to infants (33.9%). A total of 80.9% of migrant workers correctly responded that vaccination is effective for hepatitis B. However, 68% of migrants also had the misconception that it is necessary to receive a booster vaccination.
CONCLUSIONS: The hepatitis B virus infection rate in migrant workers is higher than average infection rates in China, and these workers' knowledge regarding hepatitis B is poor. It is urgent that an appropriate program be undertaken for the prevention and control of hepatitis B among migrant workers.
