Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus and Associated Factors among Health Professionals in University of Gondar Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract EN

Introduction.

Hepatitis B virus infection is one of the commonest occupational risks in healthcare workers.

However; there is limited evidence regarding the prevalence of hepatitis in health professionals in Ethiopia.

Objective.

This study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of hepatitis B and associated factors in health professionals.

Methods.

Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among health professionals at University of Gondar Hospital from January to February, 2015.

Self-administered questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic variables and blood sample was also taken to determine hepatitis B virus sero-status.

Chi square test with 95% confidence interval (CI) was computed to assess the associations of different factors with hepatitis B infection.

Result.

A total of 332 health professionals (with a response rate of 92.2%) participated in the study.

Most (98.5%) of health professionals were not vaccinated for hepatitis B.

The prevalence of hepatitis B in health professionals at UOG hospital was found to be 4.52% (95% CI: 2.4, 6.5).

Hepatitis B infection was more common among males (P value =0.0299).

Conclusion.

The prevalence of hepatitis B in health professionals in this study was comparable with other studies done in Ethiopia among health professionals.

Males were more affected than females for hepatitis B infection.

Hepatitis B virus vaccine, treatment for the infected, and training on infection prevention should be more available for healthcare workers.