Abstract:
Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is an endemic infection in Nigeria. Health
care workers (HCWs) are at risk of occupational exposures to HBV-infected blood and body
fluids.
Objective: To determine the prevalence and determinants of HBV vaccine coverage among
HCWs in two teaching hospitals in Nigeria.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was undertaken in 2011 and 2012 in two teaching hospitals
in Jos, North-Central Nigeria, and Yenagoa, South-South Nigeria. A self-administered
structured questionnaire was administered to HCWs to obtain socio-demographic data and
history of HBV vaccination.
Results: Out of 290 HCWs who participated in the study, 185 (64.5%) had received at
least one dose of HBV vaccine; 105 (36.2%) had full coverage of three doses. Professional
category and previous training in infection control were independently associated with HBV
vaccination. House officers and laboratory scientists were more likely to be unvaccinated than
resident doctors, consultant doctors and nurses. Full vaccine coverage was associated with
younger age and shorter years of professional experience.
Conclusion: We observed a generally low rate of HBV vaccine coverage among HCWs in
Nigeria. Establishment of policies on compulsory HBV vaccination of all HCWs in Nigeria is
recommended.
