Prevalence of hepatitis B infection among tricycle waste collectors, Greater Kumasi Ghana

Abstract Tricycle waste workers, who play a vital role in waste management, are exposed to various occupational hazards, including viral hepatitis B (HBV) infection. In a cross-sectional study design, we determined the prevalence of viral HBV infection among Tricycle Waste Collectors (TWC) in the Greater Kumasi Area (GKA). A face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire was employed to collect data on the study participants’ socio-demographics and safety practices. Participants were screened for Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg) as an indicator of biological hazards. The results showed that 97.1% of the participants were males, and 75.0% were unmarried and had a primary level of education. Most (75.0%) TWCs were between 20 and 29 years old, with a mean age of 25.4 (±5.87). Most (74.0%) TWCs had training on waste management, and 71.0% had PPEs while on duty; however, 49.0% used PPEs during waste collection. The prevalence of HBsAg among TWCs was 12.0%, whereas 93.2% had never been vaccinated against hepatitis B infection. Participants with higher education showed a lower risk of hepatitis B infection compared with those with no education. These findings underscore the urgent need for training TWCs on waste collection and the consistent use of suitable personal protective equipment to mitigate the risk of hepatitis B infection. The findings also provide a solid foundation for policy-making in occupational health.