Serological markers of Hepatitis B virus infection among Health Care Workers in Accra, Ghana

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v11i2.37105

Keywords:

Health Care Worker, Hepatitis B infection, Serological markers

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalence of HBV among the Ghanaian population is high and also occupational exposures to blood and body fluids that could potentially result in HBV infection is also high among HCWs. However the distribution of serological markers of HBV infection among Health care workers remains largely unknown. The aim of the study was 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 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 HBVLifetime 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 still 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.

 

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Author Biography

Vivian Efua Senoo-Dogbey, Ghana Health Service, Maamobi General Hospital, Accra, Ghana

Ghana Health Service, Maamobi General Hospital, Accra, Ghana, Post Office Box AD1164-Accra, +223-244772402/+223-502478495, efuvivi@yahoo.co.uk

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Published

2021-06-30

How to Cite

Senoo-Dogbey, V. E. (2021). Serological markers of Hepatitis B virus infection among Health Care Workers in Accra, Ghana. International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 11(2), 100–107. https://doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v11i2.37105

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Original Articles