The Determinants of Hepatitis B Vaccination among Adults in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Abstract

Objectives: This study is to explore the prevalence of uptake of Hepatitis B vaccination among general population in Ulaanbaatar city, Mongolia and evaluate the factors associated with the prevalence. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted utilizing self-administered questionnaires at the community healthcare centers in Ulaanbaatar city. 640 adults were participated the study and 513 questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS 20. Results: Hepatitis B vaccination utilization rates were 16% among Mongolian urban adults population, and level of knowledge, attitude, and practice towards Hepatitis B vaccination were poor. Many factors associated with utilization of HB vaccination among the study group were employment status, job type, knowledge attitude, practice levels, information sources, as well as the healthcare barriers. The influencing factors on the accessibility of the vaccination service were people who know where to access HB vaccination (OR= 2.3, 95% CI= 1.35-3.99), consulted physicians recommended to get HB vaccination (OR= 2.2, 95% CI= 1.21-3.99), and people who thinks HB vaccination workshop is necessary at their community health centers (OR= 2.50, 95% CI= 1.16-5.56). Conclusion: The utilization of HB vaccination was very low. Hepatitis B infection related health illiteracy is high and health education programs were lacking in general population. Despite the low level of Hepatitis B vaccination knowledge and practice, healthcare system and healthcare workers effort are missing as well. Improving accessibility of HB vaccination service, and health education among general population, and encouraging healthcare workers to focus on preventive measurements of HB by regulations and policies are urgently requested.