Prevalence of elderly hepatitis B vaccination in a básica health center

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate hepatitis B vaccination coverage among elderly individuals at a Family Health Unit (USF) in Recife. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 56 elderly individuals (60–100 years) from August/2023 to September/2024. Socioeconomic aspects, vaccination status, reasons for non-vaccination, sexual behavior, and exposure to risk factors were assessed. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Among participants, 35 (62.5%) were female, 33 (58.9%) identified as mixed race, 26 (46.4%) had incomplete elementary education, and 46 (82.1%) were unemployed. The average age was 68.39 ± 7.8 years. Only 23 (41.1%) were vaccinated against hepatitis B. Among the unvaccinated, 11 (64.7%) were unaware of the need for the vaccine. Regarding sexual behavior, 27 (48.2%) reported being sexually active, mostly with a single partner (85.2%), while 25 (92.6%) did not use condoms. Discomfort or embarrassment was cited by 8 (29.63%) as a reason for non-use. Low education levels were significantly associated with low vaccination coverage (p=0.017). Conclusion: The study highlights low hepatitis B vaccination coverage in the elderly, with lack of knowledge and perceived vaccine unavailability as key barriers.