Introduction: The occupational risk of hepatitis B among health care workers (HCWs) has been long known. Despite a WHO recommendation for hepatitis B vaccine for all HCWs, coverage in Cameroon remains very low. This study investigates the hepatitis B vaccination coverage and its predictors among HCWs in Cameroon and evaluates their perceptions concerning the disease. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out where structured questionnaires were used to obtain data from HCWs in 24 different health institutions within the Fako Division from February to May 2019. Categorical variables were compared using Chi-square test and a p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 643 participants were recruited with a male to female ratio of 0.33. Of the participants, 52.41% had a high risk perception of hepatitis B as a disease. The overall ≥ 1 and ≥3 dose vaccination coverage was 27.37% and 12.91%, respectively. Hospital vaccination policy [aOR = 4.25 (95% CI 2.43 - 7.46), p < 0.0001], history of free hepatitis B screening [aOR = 29.73 (95% CI 6.96 - 120.92), p < 0.0001], working in the private sector [aOR = 1.74 (95% CI, 1.02 - 2.99), p = 0.04] and longer working experience [aOR = 2.33 (95% CI, 1.1 - 4.92), p = 0.03] were independent predictors of ≥3 dose vaccination coverage. Conclusion: The risk perception of hepatitis B among HCWs in Fako Division is low but however not associated with a low vaccination coverage among these HCWs. Strategies to improve vaccination coverage among HCWs should target the above-identified predictors.
Cite this paper
Ngekeng, S. , Chichom-Mefire, A. , Nde, P. F. , Tendongfor, N. , Nji, E. K. , Malika, E. and Choukem, S. P. (2022). Hepatitis B Vaccination Coverage and Its Predictors among Health Workers in Fako Division, South West Region of Cameroon. Open Access Library Journal, 9, e8985. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1108985.
Ott, J.J., Stevens, G.A., Groeger, J. and Wiersma, S.T. (2012) Global Epidemiology of Hepatitis B Virus Infection: New Estimates of Age Specific HBsAg Seroprevalence and Endemicity. Vaccine, 30, 2212-2219.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2011.12.116
U.S. Public Health Service (2001) Updated U.S. Public Health Service Guidelines for the Management of Occupational Exposures to HBV, HCV, and HIV and Recommendations for Post Exposure Prophylaxis. MMWR Recommendations and Reports, 50, 1-52.
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (1997) Immunization of Health-Care Workers: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 10, 213.
Bond, W.W., Favero, M.S., Petersen, N.J., Gravelle, C.R., Ebert, J.W. and Maynard, J.E. (1981) Survival of Hepatitis B Virus after Drying and Storage for One Week. Lancet, 317, 550-551. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(81)92877-4
Hamid, S., Ismail, F.W. and Jafri, W. (2007) Hepatitis and the Healthcare Worker—A Pakistani Perspective. Journal of College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan, 17, 240-245.
Ziraba, A.K., Bwogi, J., Namale, A., Wainaina, C.W. and Mayanja-Kizza, H. (2010) Sero-Prevalence and Risk Factors for Hepatitis B virus Infection among Health Care Workers in a Tertiary Hospital in Uganda. BMC Infectious Diseases, 10, Article No. 191. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2334-10-191
Lee, J.M., Botteman, M.F., Xanthakos, N. and Nicklasson, L. (2005) Needlestick Injuries in the United States. Epidemiologic, Economic, and Quality of Life Issues. AAOHN Journal, 53, 117-133. https://doi.org/10.1177/216507990505300311
Sydnor, E.R.M. and Perl, T.M. (2011) Hospital Epidemiology and Infection Control in Acute-Care Settings. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 24, 141-173.
https://doi.org/10.1128/CMR.00027-10
Noubiap, J.J.N., Nansseu, J.R.N., Kengne, K.K., Wonkam, A. and Wiysonge, C.S. (2014) Low Hepatitis B Vaccine Uptake among Surgical Residents in Cameroon. International Archives of Medicine, 7, 11. https://doi.org/10.1186/1755-7682-7-11
Noubiap, J.J.N., Nansseu, J.R.N., Kengne, K.K., Tchokfe Ndoula, S. and Agyingi, L.A. (2013) Occupational Exposure to Blood, Hepatitis B Vaccine Knowledge and Uptake among Medical Students in Cameroon. BMC Medical Education, 13, Article No. 148. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6920-13-148
Tatsilong, H.O.P., Noubiap, J.J.N., Nansseu, J.R.N., Aminde, L.N., Bigna, J.J.R., Ndze, V.N., et al. (2016) Hepatitis B Infection Awareness, Vaccine Perceptions and Uptake, and Serological Profile of a Group of Health Care Workers in Yaoundé, Cameroon. BMC Public Health, 16, Article No. 706.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-016-3388-z
Rosenstock, I. (1974) Historical Origins of the Health Belief Model. Health Education Monographs, 2, 328-335. https://doi.org/10.1177/109019817400200403
Doebbeling, B.N., Ferguson, K.J. and Kohout, F.J. (1996) Predictors of Hepatitis B Vaccine Acceptance in Health Care Workers. Medical Care, 34, 58-72.
https://doi.org/10.1097/00005650-199601000-00005
Taalat, M., Kandell, A., El-Shoubary, W., Bodenschatz, C., Khairy, I., Oun, S. and Mahoney, F.J. (2003) Occupational Exposure to Needle Stick Injuries and Hepatitis B Vaccination Coverage among Health Care Workers in Egypt. American Journal of Infection Control, 31, 469-474. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2003.03.003
Shim, B.M., Yoo, H.M., Lee, A.S. and Park, S.K. (2006) Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus among Health Care Workers in Korea. Journal of Korean Medical Science, 21, 58-62.
Ngekeng, S., Chichom-Mefire, A., Nde, P.F., Nsagha, D.S., Nkuigue, A.T., Tiogouo, K., Oben, F.M., Ekotang, F.P. and Choukem, S.P. (2018) Hepatitis B Prevalence, Knowledge and Occupational Factors among Health Care Works in Fako Division, South West Region of Cameroon. Microbiology Research Journal International, 23, 1-9. https://doi.org/10.9734/MRJI/2018/40445
Adebamowo, C.A., Odukogbe, A.A. and Ajuwon, A.J. (1998) Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Related to Hepatitis B Virus Infection among Nigerian Obstetricians and Midwives. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 18, 528-532.
https://doi.org/10.1080/01443619866255
Heshan, R., Zamberi, S., Tajunisah, M.E., Ariza, A. and Ilina, I. (2005) Hepatitis B Immunizations among Health Care Workers in Two Kuala Lumpur Hospitals. Medical Journal of Malaysia, 60, 407-410.
Burnett, R.J., Francois, G., Kew, M.C., Leroux-Roels, G. and Hoosen, M. (2005) Hepatitis B Virus and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Co-Infection in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Call for Further Investigation. Liver International, 25, 201-213.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1478-3231.2005.01054.x
Elzouki, A.N., Elgamay, S.M., Zorgani, A. and Elahmer, O. (2014) Hepatitis B and C Status among Health Care Workers in the Five Main Hospitals in Eastern Libya. Journal of Infection and Public Health, 7, 534-541.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jiph.2014.07.006
Mungandi, N., Makasa, M. and Musonda, P. (2017) Hepatitis B Vaccination Coverage and the Determinants of Vaccination among Health Care Workers in Selected Health Facilities in Lusaka District, Zambia: An Exploratory Study. Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 29, 32.
Byrd, K.K., Lu, P.-J. and Murphy, T.V. (2013) Hepatitis B Vaccination Coverage among Health-Care Personnel in the United States. Public Health Reports, 128, 498-509 https://doi.org/10.1177/003335491312800609
Ibekwe, R.C. and Ibeziako, N. (2006) Hepatitis B Vaccination Status among Health Workers in Enugu, Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice, 9, 7-10.
Pathak, R., Chaudhary, C., Pathania, D., Ahluwalia, S.K., Mishra, P. and Kahlon, A. (2013) Hepatitis B Vaccine: Coverage and Factors Relating to Its Acceptance among Health Care Workers of a Tertiary Care Center in North India. International Journal of Medicine and Public Health, 3, 55-59.
https://doi.org/10.4103/2230-8598.109324
Yousafzai, M., Qasim, R., Khalil, R., Kakakhel, M. and Rehman, S. (2014) Hepatitis B Vaccination among Primary Health Care Workers in Northwest Pakistan. International Journal of Health Sciences, 8, 68-76. https://doi.org/10.12816/0006073
Shefer, A., Atkinson, W., Friedman, C., Kuhar, D.T., Motrey, G. and Bialek, S.R. (2011) Immunization of Healthcare Personnel. Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. MMWR Recommendations and Reports, 60, 1-45.