Hepatitis B infection among health workers in Uganda: evidence of the need for health worker protection

Vaccine. 2006 Nov 17;24(47-48):6930-7. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2006.08.029. Epub 2006 Sep 5.

Abstract

Hepatitis B exposure was assessed in 311 health workers in Uganda, a highly endemic country. Health workers were selected by random sampling from a categorized list of health workers at district level, proportionate to the population of each district. Whereas 60.1% of health workers have evidence of hepatitis B infection, with 8.7% being chronic carriers and one (0.3%) acutely infected, 36.3% are still susceptible and could benefit from vaccination. Only 5.1% reported having had at least one dose of hepatitis B vaccine and 3.5% were apparently immune through vaccination. Needle stick injuries reported by 77% of health workers were the most common mode of exposure to blood and body fluids. Trends suggested duration of service as a predictor while age and history of blood transfusion remained significant independent risk factors for hepatitis B infection. 98% of health workers are willing to be vaccinated. These results confirm the need for protection and vaccination of health workers in Uganda against hepatitis B.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Data Collection
  • Female
  • Health Personnel*
  • Hepatitis Antibodies / analysis
  • Hepatitis B / epidemiology*
  • Hepatitis B / prevention & control*
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunization, Secondary
  • Immunoglobulin A / analysis
  • Immunoglobulin G / analysis
  • Immunoglobulin G / immunology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Exposure*
  • Risk Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Uganda / epidemiology
  • Vaccination

Substances

  • Hepatitis Antibodies
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
  • Immunoglobulin A
  • Immunoglobulin G