Abstract
Introduction: The prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) among the Ghanaian population is high and also occupational exposures to blood and body fluids that could potentially result in HBV infection is high among Health Care Workers (HCWs). However, the distribution of serological markers of HBV infection among HCW remains largely unknown. The study aimed to describe the distribution of HBV serological markers among the Ghanaian HCWs. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional survey involving 363 HCWs drawn from five health institutions selected through a stratified random sampling procedure was undertaken. A structured pretested questionnaire was the research instrument that was utilized to collect data from health care workers who also gave 5mls of venous blood to be evaluated qualitatively for the presence of five serological markers of HBV. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) procedure was subsequently undertaken to detect IgM HBcAb. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Results: The predominant HBV maker among the population was Anti-HBs; 57.4% (195/340) and the least was HBeAg; 1.5% (5/340). One third (123/340) of the HCWs were naïve to HBV. Lifetime exposure to HBV (Anti-HBc) prevalence was 8.2% (28/340) (95% CI= 5.0%-11). Conclusions: Even though Anti-HBs is the predominant antibody marker identified among the population of HCWs evaluated, one-third of the participants remain susceptible to HBV infection. Protective measures need to be instituted to prevent new infections among HCWs who are currently naïve to the virus. Sanitary workers or orderlies need to be given special consideration in HBV prevention campaigns.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 100-107 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health |
Volume | 11 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2021 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Health care worker
- Hepatitis b infection
- Serological markers