The Korean Journal of Rehabilitation Nursing (재활간호학회지)

Korean Academic Society of Rehabilitation Nursing (한국재활간호학회)
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Awareness and Knowledge about Hepatitis B among North Korean Immigrants

새터민의 B형간염 인식과 지식에 관한 연구

  • Received : 2016.05.14
  • Accepted : 2016.06.15
  • Published : 2016.06.30
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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 $6.3{\pm}3.8$ (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 ($R^2=.109$, p<.001). Conclusion: The results showed that North Korean immigrants need more education on HBV infection and prevention to improve their knowledge about HBV.

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References

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