Prevalence of Hepatitis B Vaccination among Health Care Workers in Nigeria in 2011–12

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.