Hepatitis B and Anti-HBS vaccination among health workers

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate Hepatitis B vaccination coverage and its associated factors among health workers.

Methodology

It is a cross-sectional study conducted with 506 primary care and medium complexity health workers in a municipality of the ‘Recôncavo’ region of Bahia state, Brazil. A questionnaire was applied to assess the vaccination status for Hepatitis B and the sociodemographic and occupational characteristics of health workers. Univariate and bivariate analyses were used to evaluate the factors associated with vaccination.

Results

The population studied was predominately female (78.3%) composed of individuals with steady employment (63.8%) and who rated themselves in good or very good health (78.1%). The majority reported having received three doses of the vaccine against Hepatitis B (59.9%). Nurses, technicians, and physicians were the most immunized (91.8%). The following factors were associated with self-reported Hepatitis B vaccination: sex, age, educational level, use of individual protection equipment (IPE), and contact with biological material.

Discussion

A low coverage of complete Hepatitis B vaccination was observed (59.9%). Health professionals who did not develop an adequate level of antibodies after vaccination should be encouraged to complete a fourth dose (booster).

Considerations

Those without immunity should be informed of their susceptibility to VHB until they present evidence of immune response. Biosecurity should be incorporated into academic curriculums to create positive attitudes regarding adhesion to vaccination.

Keywords:
workers’ health; worker’s health surveillance; vaccination