Korean J Rehabil Nurs.  2016 Jun;19(1):64-70. 10.7587/kjrehn.2016.64.

Awareness and Knowledge about Hepatitis B among North Korean Immigrants

• Park MJ
• Jeon JH
• Song HJ

• KMID: 2350682
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7587/kjrehn.2016.64

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to identify awareness and knowledge about hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among North Korean immigrants who had resided in South Korea.
METHODS
This was a cross-sectional, community based study. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 198 North Korean immigrants aged 18 years old through 65 years old among those who had attended community centers, local churches, and gathering places in four cities. The questionnaire included 15 items about participants' knowledge on HBV infection and its consequences, mode of transmission, and preventive measures.
RESULTS
The mean score of HBV knowledge was 6.3±3.8 (range 0~15). The items that over 60% of the respondents checked correct answer regarding knowledge about HBV were 'There is blood screening for hepatitis B infection', 'Hepatitis B can be transmitted through sharing needles with infected person'. Multivariate analysis showed that received education for the prevention of HBV infection and disease morbidity were significantly associated with the knowledge of HBV infection. Overall, approximately 11% of total variability in the knowledge of HBV infection could be explained by the 2 variables in this model (R²=.109, p<.001).
CONCLUSION
The results showed that North Korean immigrants need more education on HBV infection and prevention to improve their knowledge about HBV.

Keyword

Hepatitis B; Knowledge; Prevention

MeSH Terms

Education
Emigrants and Immigrants*
Hepatitis B virus
Hepatitis B*
Hepatitis*
Humans
Korea
Mass Screening
Multivariate Analysis
Needles
Surveys and Questionnaires