Screening of long-term complications and glycaemic control of patients with diabetes attending Rustenburg Provincial Hospital in North West Province, South Africa

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the most easily transmitted blood-bornepathogen and is an occupational hazard for health care workers (HCWs). Despite the factthat infection is preventable through vaccination and post-exposure immunoglobulin therapy,many HCWs are unaware of the risks of HBV infection and of appropriate preventativemeasures. This study is unique in the South African setting as it focuses on the exposure,attitude and knowledge of doctors to HBV infection.Method: This was an observational descriptive study. Records of the HBV immune status ofall doctors who reported an occupational injury (OI) to the occupational health clinic betweenJune 2010 and May 2011 were reviewed. A structured questionnaire was then distributed to alllaboratory personnel and senior doctors employed at the hospital.Results: Of the 67 doctors who reported an OI, 39% (26 out of 67) had no HBV immunityand only 19% (5 out of 26) had received Hepatitis B immunoglobulin. Of the 78 doctors whocompleted the questionnaire, 65% (51 out of 78) reported at least one OI during their career.Fifty-six percent of the respondents were unaware of their HBV immune status and only 31%had received a booster within the previous 5 years.Conclusion: Poor compliance of HCWs to HBV vaccination and post-exposure prophylaxis isa concern. In-service training is needed to inform staff of the efficacy of HBV vaccination andimmunoglobulin therapy.