E N Kisangau1,2, A Awour3, B Juma3, D Odhiambo4, T Muasya5, S N Kiio6, R Too2, S A Lowther3. 1. Kenya Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (FELTP), Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya. 2. School of Public Health, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya. 3. Division of Global Health Protection, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Village Market, Nairobi, Kenya. 4. Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Laboratory, Nairobi, Kenya. 5. Kenya Medical Research Institute, Center for Virus Research, Hepatitis Laboratory, Nairobi, Kenya. 6. County Department of Health, Makueni County, Kenya.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a vaccine-preventable infection that can spread in healthcare setting. Data on HBV infections and vaccine in African healthcare workers (HCWs) are limited. We estimated HBV infection prevalence, hepatitis B vaccination status and identified factors associated with vaccination in one Kenyan county. METHODS: Randomly selected HCWs completed a questionnaire about HBV exposure and self-reported immunization histories, and provided blood for testing of selected HBV biomarkers to assess HBV infection and vaccination status: HBV core antibodies (anti-HBc), HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV surface antibodies (anti-HBs). Prevalence odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated to identify factors associated with vaccination. RESULTS: Among 312 HCWs surveyed, median age was 31 years (range: 19-67 years). Of 295 blood samples tested, 13 (4%) were anti-HBc and HBsAg-positive evidencing chronic HBV infection; 139 (47%) had protective anti-HBs levels. Although 249 (80%) HCWs received ≥1 HBV vaccine dose, only 119 (48%) received all three recommended doses. Complete vaccination was more likely among those working in hospitals compared to those working in primary healthcare facilities (OR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.4-4.3). CONCLUSION: We recommend strengthening county HCW vaccination, and collecting similar data nationally to guide HBV prevention and control.
BACKGROUND:Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a vaccine-preventable infection that can spread in healthcare setting. Data on HBV infections and vaccine in African healthcare workers (HCWs) are limited. We estimated HBV infection prevalence, hepatitis B vaccination status and identified factors associated with vaccination in one Kenyan county. METHODS: Randomly selected HCWs completed a questionnaire about HBV exposure and self-reported immunization histories, and provided blood for testing of selected HBV biomarkers to assess HBV infection and vaccination status: HBV core antibodies (anti-HBc), HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV surface antibodies (anti-HBs). Prevalence odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated to identify factors associated with vaccination. RESULTS: Among 312 HCWs surveyed, median age was 31 years (range: 19-67 years). Of 295 blood samples tested, 13 (4%) were anti-HBc and HBsAg-positive evidencing chronic HBV infection; 139 (47%) had protective anti-HBs levels. Although 249 (80%) HCWs received ≥1 HBV vaccine dose, only 119 (48%) received all three recommended doses. Complete vaccination was more likely among those working in hospitals compared to those working in primary healthcare facilities (OR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.4-4.3). CONCLUSION: We recommend strengthening county HCW vaccination, and collecting similar data nationally to guide HBV prevention and control.