Factors associated with risk behaviours towards hepatitis B among migrant workers: a cross-sectional study based on theory of planned behaviour

Objectives Rural-to-urban migrant workers are susceptible to hepatitis B because of lack of self-protection awareness and social support. The aim of this study was to explore the factors influencing risk behaviours for hepatitis B among migrant workers based on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). Design A cross-sectional survey. Setting Chongqing, China Participant Migrant workers Primary and secondary outcome measures The primary outcomes were the TPB variables. The secondary outcomes were factors explored by logistic regressions which were associated with hepatitis B related risk behaviours and behavioural intentions (BI). Results Of 1299 recruited migrant workers, 384 (29.56%) participants undertook risk behaviours related to hepatitis B virus infection in the 6 months prior to the survey, and 1111 (85.53%) migrant workers had the BI of doing so. Of 842 migrant workers who undertook sexual activities, 58.19% did not use condoms. Binary logistic regressions showed that migrant workers who were men (p<0.05), less educated (p<0.01), lacked hepatitis B knowledge (p<0.05) and of a young age (p<0.01), were more intent on conducting hepatitis B-related behaviours. Alcohol drinking (p<0.01) was also positively associated with hepatitis B risk. The scores of TPB variables, including attitude towards behaviour and subjective norms, were positively associated with BI when adjusted for sociodemographics (p<0.001). Meanwhile, experience of behaviour and regret feeling were positively associated with BI and actual behaviours (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively). Conclusions A considerable proportion of migrant workers undertake hepatitis B-related risk behaviours, and condoms are seldom used. Health education campaigns targeting the identified TPB variables may play a significant role in improving awareness of hepatitis B prevention among migrant workers, especially for those who are men, younger, alcohol drinkers, less educated and lacking hepatitis B knowledge.

Automated summary

Rural-to-urban migrant workers are at risk for hepatitis B due to lack of awareness and support. This study found that a considerable proportion of migrant workers engage in hepatitis B-related risk behaviors, with low condom usage. Factors influencing these behaviors include gender, age, education level, alcohol consumption, and knowledge about hepatitis B. Health education campaigns based on the theory of planned behavior could improve awareness of hepatitis B prevention among migrant workers.