Hepatitis B Vaccination Uptake Rate and Predictors in Healthcare Professionals of Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction

Healthcare professionals continue to be at risk of acquiring occupation-related hepatitis B virus infection because of noncompliance for the 3-dose primary series of hepatitis B vaccine recommended. The objective of the study was to determine the rate of and to identify the predictors of hepatitis B vaccination uptake in healthcare professionals in Ethiopia.

Methods

A multicenter cross-sectional survey was conducted between May 19 2018 and June 15 2018. A stratified with systematic random sampling technique was used to select 260 healthcare professionals. A structured questionnaire was used to collect all the necessary primary data from samples. This survey analyzed hepatitis B vaccination uptake as the binary outcome variable (“noncomplete” vs “complete”) with regard to the 30 potential predictor variables. Both descriptive and inferential statistical analysis techniques have been used to address the study objective.

Results

The rate of complete vs noncomplete hepatitis B vaccination uptake was 37.7% vs 62.3%. The significantly independent predictors of hepatitis B vaccination uptake were professional qualification (P=0.004), professional experience (P=0.013), household income (P=0.006), workload status (P=0.015), routine infant immunization program existence at the workplace (P=0.014), perceived susceptibility to infection (P=0.005), perceived safety of vaccine (P=0.001), prior occupational exposure to blood (P=0.006), training on universal precautions (P=0.015), and colleagues’ suggestion (P=0.002).

Conclusion

The rate of hepatitis B vaccination uptake found was currently low. The significantly independent predictors of hepatitis B vaccination uptake included perceived safety, colleagues’ suggestion, professional qualification, perceived susceptibility, household income, prior occupational exposure to blood, professional experience, existence of routine infant immunization program at the workplace facility, workload status, and universal precautions training.

Keywords:

• hepatitis B
• virus
• occupational risk
• vaccine
• healthcare professionals

Abbreviations

AOR, adjusted odds ratio; CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; CI, 95% confidence interval; FMOH, Federal Ministry of Health; HB, hepatitis B; HCP, healthcare professional; HIV, human immunodeficiency virus; IBM, International Business Machines Corporation; OE, occupational exposure; PEP, post-exposure prophylaxis; PPE, personal protective equipment; RIIP, routine infant immunization program; SPSS, Statistical Product and Service Solutions; UP, universal precautions; WHO, World Health Organization.

Data Sharing Statement

All relevant data are available in this manuscript and its supplementary materials.

Ethics Approval and Consent to Participate

The University of Gondar the College of Medicine and Health Sciences ethics committee approved the study protocol. In addition, the study obtained an official permission letter from the Central Gondar Zone Health Administration. All participants gave their written informed consent to participate.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest for this work.

Additional information

Funding

There is no funding to report.