A survey of hepatitis B among health workers in Jamaica.
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 exposure to blood or hepatitis. Antibodies to either hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) or hepatitis B core (HBc) were found in 19.8% of 817 persons tested. Males were more likely to have antibodies to Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) than females (29% compared with 18%, Odds Ratio 1.6; 95% CI 0.98-2.9). HBsAg was found in 5.3% of 562 persons tested compared with 1% of blood donors. One or more needlestick accidents were reported by 60% of the sample, and blood or liquor splashing on the face was reported by 48%. Jaundice and hepatitis were reported by 1.2% and 3.5% of health staff, respectively. HBsAg 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.
Figueroa
J P
JP
Ministry of Health, Jamaica.
Carpenter
H
H
Hospedales
C J
CJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D017758:Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional; D007563:Jamaica / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012307:Risk Factors
D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines