A survey of hepatitis B among health workers in Jamaica

ABSTRACT

One thousand, five hundred and thirty-seven health staff, presenting for hepatitis B vaccination in Jamaica, were surveyed in 1990/91 for hepatitis B markers and/or expose to blood or hepatitis. Antibodies to either hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) or hepatitis B core (HBc) were found in 19.8 percent of 817 persons tested. Males were more likely to have antibodies to Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) than females (29 percent compared with 18 percent, Odds Ratio 1.6;95 percent CI 0.98-2.9). HBsAg was found in 5.3 percent of 562 persons tested compared with 1 percent of blood donors. One or more needlestick accidents were reported by 60 percent of the sample, and blood or liquid splashing on the face was reported by 48 percent. Jaundice and hepatitis were reported by 1.2 percent and 3.5 percent of health staff, respectively. HBaAg carrier status was associated with years of service (p=0.039). Prevalence of antibodies to HBV increased with age (p=0.004) and years of service (p=0.028). The effect of age and years of service appears to be largely independent (r=0.44). This survey reaffirms the importance of health workers being immunized with hepatitis B vaccine, and adhering rigorously to universal precautions in patient care and laboratory practice (AU)