OBJECTIVE:
to evaluate lack of access to hepatitis B vaccination, its reasons and associated factors in pregnant women attending antenatal care in Pelotas.
METHODS:
this was a cross-sectional population-based study using primary data at the municipality maternity facilities, including all women giving birth during a 30 day period in 2013.
RESULTS:
352 women were interviewed. There was23.1% (95%CI, 18.5-27.6) lack of access to hepatitis B vaccine and the main reason for non-vaccination was the absence of the doctor's recommendation (70.1%). No association was found between lack of access and the sociodemographic factors studied.
CONCLUSIONS:
the study found limited access to hepatitis B vaccine among pregnant women in Pelotas- RS, due mainly to the lack of the physician recommendation. The results highlight the need for measures and actions to improve prenatal care regarding HBV vaccination strategies.
Cross-Sectional Studies; Hepatitis B; Pregnant Women; Vaccination; Access
