ATTITUDES AND EDUCATIONAL PRACTICES OF OBSTETRIC PROVIDERS REGARDING INFANT HEPATITIS-B VACCINATION

Objective: To survey the current knowledge, attitudes, and practices o f obstetric providers regarding the education of pregnant women about infant hepatitis B vaccination. Methods: A questionnaire was mailed to 264 physicians providing obstetric services in San Francisco. Of thes e, 113 were confirmed to be providing prenatal care. Results: Seventy- six obstetric providers returned completed questionnaires. Among eligi ble respondents, 79% believed that hepatitis B vaccine should be admin istered to all infants at birth, and 92% believed that it is feasible to educate all expectant mothers about infant hepatitis B vaccination. However, only 53% of respondents provided such education to all their pregnant patients. Only 23% provided education about other routine ch ildhood immunizations. Conclusions: Obstetric providers in San Francis co are willing to educate pregnant patients about hepatitis B vaccinat ion but are not always doing so. Providing education in a consistent m anner may improve infant hepatitis B vaccination rates and may increas e coverage with other childhood vaccines. Copyright (C) 1997 by The Am erican College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.