Physician beliefs and practices regarding the use of hepatitis A vaccine. WMJ 2007 Jul;106(4):211-4
Date
09/12/2007Pubmed ID
17844711Scopus ID
2-s2.0-34548223166 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 4 CitationsAbstract
BACKGROUND: In 1999, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended routine vaccination of children against hepatitis A in states, counties, and communities with rates twice the national average or greater. Milwaukee is such a community.
OBJECTIVES: To assess physician knowledge, beliefs, and practices regarding hepatitis A disease and hepatitis A vaccine recommendations in Milwaukee.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 291 Milwaukee pediatricians and family physicians using a self-administered questionnaire.
RESULTS: The response rate was 46%. Of physicians responding, 88% were aware that hepatitis A vaccine was recommended for all children in Milwaukee >2 years of age; 61% believed hepatitis A was a significant health problem, with a significant difference between pediatricians and family physicians (74% versus 43%); and 65% stated they offered the vaccine "almost always" or "most of the time" to children between the ages of 2 and 19 years.
CONCLUSIONS: More physician education is needed regarding the public health impact of hepatitis A and the value of the vaccine.
Author List
Sabnis S, Pomeranz AJ, Mao JMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdolescentAdult
Chi-Square Distribution
Child
Child, Preschool
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Hepatitis A Vaccines
Humans
Infant
Male
Physicians, Family
Practice Patterns, Physicians'
Statistics, Nonparametric
Surveys and Questionnaires
Wisconsin
