Evaluation of the knowledge, risk behaviors and compliance with hepatitis B vaccination in prisoners of Goiânia city, GO

Abstract

In order to evaluate the compliance with hepatitis B vaccine in prisoners as well as risk behaviors and knowledge about this infection, a study was carried out with inmates (N=210) kept in a part-time regimen in Goiânia, Goiás. Only 87 (94.3%) individuals participated in the investigation, and 82 (42.4%) received the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine. The full scheme was administered in 21 (24.1%) individuals. Risk factors/behaviors for HBV as irregular use of condom during sexual intercourse, illicit drugs use and sharing of personal items were reported by 54%, 62.1%, and 57.5% of the individuals, respectively. It was also verified that most of them did not know the modes of HBV transmission. Regarding these results, we suggest the urgent adoption of an accelerated vaccine scheme, and health education programs emphasizing the HBV prevention measures in the jail environment.