Hepatitis B vaccination status, knowledge and associated factors among healthcare professionals in Dongola, Sudan, 2024: a cross-sectional study

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a significant global health concern, with 254 million people chronically infected worldwide and 1.1 million annual deaths from related complications. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) face an elevated risk of HBV infection due to occupational exposure, with a global prevalence of 2.3% among HCPs, increasing to 6.8% in Africa. Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure against HBV, yet coverage remains suboptimal, particularly in developing countries, including Sudan. This study aimed to assess HBV vaccination status, knowledge and associated factors among HCPs in Dongola, Sudan. A cross-sectional study was conducted among HCPs in two hospitals in Dongola, Sudan, from May to July 2024. The sample size was calculated as 206 using OpenEpi, based on a 50% estimated vaccination proportion, 95% confidence level, and 5% margin of error, and adjusted by 10% for nonresponse. Participants were recruited via stratified random sampling. Data were collected through a structured and pre-tested questionnaire assessing socio-demographic characteristics, HBV knowledge, and vaccination status. HBV knowledge was evaluated via 21 items, with scores ≥ 13 classified as “good knowledge”. Descriptive statistics summarised participant characteristics, vaccination status and HBV knowledge. Factors associated with HBV vaccination status were assessed via logistic regression analyses. Among the 227 HCPs, 211 participated in the study. The majority were under 30 years old (84.83%), female (70.62%), and had less than 5 years of work experience (65.40%). A total of 52.13% reported being vaccinated against HBV, with 65.45% of those receiving all three recommended doses. Notably, vaccine unavailability was reported by 93.84% of the participants. In terms of HBV knowledge, 62.09% were classified as having good knowledge about HBV. In the adjusted analysis, factors significantly associated with higher vaccination rates included more work experience (5–10 years: aOR 2.60, 95% CI 1.24–5.43; >10 years: aOR 4.16, 95% CI 1.08–16.05) and greater HBV knowledge (aOR 2.72, 95% CI 1.48–5.01). However, laboratory technologists had lower odds of vaccination than doctors (aOR 0.19, 95% CI 0.07–0.56). This study revealed suboptimal HBV vaccination coverage among HCPs, with only 34.12% being fully vaccinated. Key barriers included vaccine unavailability, whereas longer work experience and greater HBV knowledge were positively associated with vaccination status. These findings emphasise the need for comprehensive interventions to improve vaccine accessibility, enhance HBV education, and implement mandatory vaccination policies in healthcare settings.