Hepatitis B vaccination status and identification of risk factors for hepatitis B in health care workers.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the vaccination status of health care workers and to identify the risk factors for hepatitis B at a tertiary care hospital.


METHODS
A descriptive study.


METHODS
The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi from March 2003 to May 2003.


METHODS
Three hundred and ninety-three health care workers were interviewed after taking verbal consent using a self-administered questionnaire by convenience sampling. A sample size of 385 was calculated, using 5% level of significance, margin of error as 5% and an expected prevalence of 50%. Descriptive statistics like percentages, mean and range were obtained.


RESULTS
A total of 393 respondents, (age range 19-59 years) were interviewed. Amongst them 86% were completely vaccinated, 12% had incomplete vaccination and 2% didn't have even a single dose. Needle stick injuries were highest amongst those health care workers who had complete vaccination.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite the availability of free vaccination, a target of 100% coverage has not yet been achieved. All health care workers should be motivated and ensured for vaccination. Regular educational campaigns for health care workers are needed to increase vaccination compliance.
Ali
Niloufer Sultan
NS
Department of Family Medicine, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. niloufer@aku.edu
Jamal
Kishwar
K
Qureshi
Riaz
R
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000209:etiology*; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010154:Pakistan; D010564:Personnel, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014611:Vaccination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines