Understanding hepatitis B vaccination willingness in the adult population in Indonesia: a survey among outpatient and healthcare workers in community health centers

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to assess factors associated with the willingness to be vaccinated against hepatitis B among Indonesia’s adult population, considering cultural and geographic differences by analysing the two provinces of Aceh and Yogyakarta. Subject and methods: An institution-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in 16 community health centres. A multivariable logistic regression model stratified by province was employed to assess variables associated with the willingness to receive hepatitis B vaccination. Results: We found that participants from Yogyakarta more often had a higher knowledge and risk perception of hepatitis B and were more often willing to get vaccinated than participants from Aceh. We also found that a high-risk perception of hepatitis B infection was associated with the willingness to be vaccinated against hepatitis B in participants from both Aceh and Yogyakarta. Furthermore, in Yogyakarta, a fair and high knowledge of hepatitis B infection and vaccination, being female, and having health insurance covering hepatitis B vaccination costs were associated with the willingness to be vaccinated. In Aceh, health care workers in high-risk units for hepatitis B had a higher willingness to be vaccinated than those who were not high-risk health care workers. Conclusion: Given the different factors associated with the willingness to be vaccinated against hepatitis B in Aceh and Yogyakarta, this study also highlights the need of a locally adjusted, culture-based approach to improve the hepatitis B vaccination programme.