Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection stands as a formidable global health challenge, impacting approximately 296 million individuals worldwide and contributing to an estimated 887,000 deaths annually due to severe complications such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Despite the existence of a highly effective vaccine for over three decades, HBV infection rates persist at alarming levels, particularly in nations with lower socio-demographic indices like India.

Recent estimates suggest a prevalence of HBsAg positivity ranging between 2% and 8% in India, with a meta-analysis indicating an overall prevalence of 3.70%. This translates to a staggering 37 million HBV carriers in the country. However, despite the alarming prevalence, public awareness and knowledge regarding this disease remain remarkably inadequate in India. The imperative of public awareness and understanding of HBV cannot be overstated, as it is crucial for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

A pioneering study conducted at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, spearheaded by Dr. Anil Arora, Dr. Ashish Kumar, and Dr. Praveen Sharma, sought to shed light on the knowledge and vaccination status of the general populace concerning Hepatitis B viral infection in India. This meticulously crafted cross-sectional survey aimed to discern insights into public perceptions and vaccination practices against Hepatitis B.

Over 3,500 participants, excluding healthcare workers and individuals below 18 years, were engaged in the survey, which rigorously evaluated their comprehension across four pivotal domains: the cause and transmission of Hepatitis B, its impact on organs and health outcomes, available treatment modalities, and vaccination protocols. Utilizing a scoring system ranging from -20 to +22, the study quantified participants' knowledge levels, alongside a comprehensive assessment of vaccination status.

The findings of the study unveiled a disconcerting landscape characterized by misinformation and significant knowledge gaps. Merely 25% of respondents demonstrated adequate knowledge, underscoring widespread unawareness regarding fundamental aspects of the virus, including its transmission modes, hepatotoxic effects, and the critical significance of vaccination. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted informational campaigns aimed at dispelling misconceptions and enhancing public awareness regarding Hepatitis B.

In terms of vaccination status, the survey revealed a stark reality, with only 22.7% of participants having completed the full Hepatitis B vaccination course. This alarmingly low vaccination rate is particularly concerning given the virus's prevalence and the vaccine's proven efficacy in preventing infection and associated complications. Furthermore, the study highlighted disparities in vaccination uptake influenced by factors such as gender, education levels, and urban-rural divide, emphasizing the imperative of equitable vaccination initiatives reaching all segments of the population.

Dr. Anil Arora, the principal investigator, emphasized the necessity of targeted public health interventions to augment awareness and vaccination coverage. Educational endeavors should prioritize segments of the population exhibiting lower knowledge scores and vaccination rates, including females, older individuals, those with limited education, and rural residents. Dr. Ashish Kumar reiterated the importance of comprehensive strategies addressing both health literacy and vaccination coverage to realize national and global targets for HBV control.