Yan Liu1, Chao Ma2, Haimei Jia3, Erping Xu4, Yong Zhou5, Zhujiazi Zhang6, Li Lu6, Lance Rodewald7, Lixin Hao8. 1. Department of Expanded Program on Immunization, Hangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310021, China; Chinese Field Epidemiology Training Program, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100050, China. 2. Department of National Immunization Program, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100050, China. 3. Department of Expanded Program on Immunization, Fuzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, Fujian 350004, China; Chinese Field Epidemiology Training Program, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100050, China. 4. Department of Expanded Program on Immunization, Hangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310021, China. 5. Department of Expanded Program on Immunization, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China. 6. Department of Expanded Program on Immunization, Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100013, China. 7. World Health Organization China Office, Beijing 100600, China. 8. Department of National Immunization Program, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100050, China. Electronic address: lixinh2010@163.com.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can cause chronic HBV infection, which may lead to advanced cirrhosis and liver cancer. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at risk HBV infection as an occupational hazard. Hepatitis B vaccination of HCWs is recommended by WHO, but the status of hepatitis B vaccination among HCWs in China is seldom reported. METHODOLOGY: We conducted a cross-sectional study in 22 hospitals of 3 developed cities in China. We interviewed managers in infectious diseases and occupational health departments, and at least 40 HCWs per hospital. RESULTS: We interviewed 929 HCWs; 80.8% were vaccinated against hepatitis B and 96.7% were willing to be vaccinated; 38.2% of HCWs reported having at least one needle stick or sharps injury. Three hospitals provide free hepatitis B vaccination for HCWs; hospitals with a hepatitis B vaccination policy, more HCWs reported being vaccinated (91.7% vs 79.0%, P < 0.001). HCWs in high risk departments (P = 0.011), with more knowledge of hepatitis B vaccine (P < 0.001), and with fewer working years (P = 0.002) were more likely to be vaccinated against HBV. Infectious diseases and occupational health managers had positive attitudes towards hepatitis B vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatitis B vaccination was well accepted among HCWs. Hospital provision of free vaccine, greater HCW knowledge of HBV, and working in higher-risk settings were associated with being vaccinated. A national policy of offering hepatitis B vaccine to HCWs should be considered in China. Provision of free hepatitis B vaccine for HBsAb negative HCWs may be acceptable. Education about HBV and hepatitis B vaccine may help promote policy implementation.
BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can cause chronic HBV infection, which may lead to advanced cirrhosis and liver cancer. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at risk HBV infection as an occupational hazard. Hepatitis B vaccination of HCWs is recommended by WHO, but the status of hepatitis B vaccination among HCWs in China is seldom reported. METHODOLOGY: We conducted a cross-sectional study in 22 hospitals of 3 developed cities in China. We interviewed managers in infectious diseases and occupational health departments, and at least 40 HCWs per hospital. RESULTS: We interviewed 929 HCWs; 80.8% were vaccinated against hepatitis B and 96.7% were willing to be vaccinated; 38.2% of HCWs reported having at least one needle stick or sharps injury. Three hospitals provide free hepatitis B vaccination for HCWs; hospitals with a hepatitis B vaccination policy, more HCWs reported being vaccinated (91.7% vs 79.0%, P < 0.001). HCWs in high risk departments (P = 0.011), with more knowledge of hepatitis B vaccine (P < 0.001), and with fewer working years (P = 0.002) were more likely to be vaccinated against HBV. Infectious diseases and occupational health managers had positive attitudes towards hepatitis B vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatitis B vaccination was well accepted among HCWs. Hospital provision of free vaccine, greater HCW knowledge of HBV, and working in higher-risk settings were associated with being vaccinated. A national policy of offering hepatitis B vaccine to HCWs should be considered in China. Provision of free hepatitis B vaccine for HBsAb negative HCWs may be acceptable. Education about HBV and hepatitis B vaccine may help promote policy implementation.
Authors: Tonny Ssekamatte; John Bosco Isunju; Joan Nankya Mutyoba; Moses Tetui; Richard K Mugambe; Aisha Nalugya; Winnifred K Kansiime; Chenai Kitchen; Wagaba Brenda; Patience Oputan; Justine Nnakate Bukenya; Esther Buregyeya; Simon P S Kibira Journal: PLoS One Date: 2022-05-19 Impact factor: 3.752