Assessment of hepatitis B vaccination status and hepatitis B surface antibody titres among health care workers in selected public health hospitals in Kenya

Abstract

Healthcare workers (HCWs) have a significant occupational risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Vaccination remains the most effective measure recommended to avert the risk. However, there’s limited information on hepatitis B vaccine uptake rates and the seroprotection status of HCWs, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to assess hepatitis B vaccination status and also seroprotection status of HCWs in three selected public hospitals in Kenya. This was a cross-sectional study carried out among HCWs at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Naivasha and Mbagathi County hospitals. Data on participants’ demographics and hepatitis B vaccination status was collected using an interviewer-guided questionnaire. Blood samples were collected and tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B surface antibodies (anti–HBs), and hepatitis B core antibodies (anti–HBc) using Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay technique. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and Graph pad prism. Of the 145 eligible HCWs, 120 (82.8%) were vaccinated, with 77 (53.1%) having received the recommended three doses. Three quarters (108/145) of the vaccinated HCWs were seroprotected (titres ≥10 mIU/ml) against HBV infection, while 16.6% were non–responders (titres <10 mIU/ml). Vaccination with more than two doses and HBV exposure were significantly associated with anti-HBs titre levels (P<0.05). HCWs who received less than 2 doses of the vaccine were 70% less likely to have high anti-HBs titre levels (aOR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.1–0.8; P = 0.013). Nearly all HCWs were vaccinated against hepatitis B virus. The majority of all HCWs were seroprotected against hepatitis B virus but a number of them had an insufficient immunity to the virus despite vaccination or prior exposure. There’s need to sensitize HCWs and enforce mandatory full vaccination as per the recommended vaccination schedule.