Prevalence of Hepatitis B in Healthcare Workers: Justice in Relation to Occupational Factors

The prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in healthcare workers (HCWs) in Cameroonian hospitals is high. However, vaccination of these workers and relations with occupational factors are not well documented. A prospective study was made of 1,433 HCWs and 800 administrative employees of the Buea and Limbe Regional Hospitals respectively of the South West, and 2,583 blood donor candidates from the Hospitals respective Blood Banks. HCWs were observed from January 2019 to December 2023. Data were obtained from exams made when a worker entered hospital service, periodically and after work-related injuries. Serological reactions were analyzed in HCWs who received HBV vaccine. Occupational and non-occupational information was obtained through a questionnaire. The prevalence of HBV among HCWs (0.8%) was significantly higher than in blood-donor candidates (0.2%). Among the HCWs who were vaccinated, 86.4% were immunized. Multivariate analysis revealed that increased age reduced the chance of immunization. Among the occupational factors, time in service contributed to a 14% increase in the chances of having positive serology, and work-related injuries increased the risk of HBV infection 4.29 times. The maximum risk sector presented a larger number of HCWs with positive anti-HBc serology. There was a higher seroconversion in HCWs who received the full set of HBV vaccines.