Hepatitis B in healthcare workers: prevalence, vaccination and relation to occupational factors.
The prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in healthcare workers (HCW) in Brazilian university hospitals is high. However, vaccination of these workers and relations with occupational factors are not well documented. A prospective study was made of 1,433 HCW and 872 administrative employees of the Hospital de Base (HB), São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil, and 2,583 blood donor candidates from the Hospital Blood Bank. HCW were observed from January 1994 to December 1999. Data were obtained from exams made when a worker entered hospital service, periodically and after work-related injuries. Serological reactions were analyzed in HCW who received HBV vaccine. Occupational and non-occupational information was obtained through a questionnaire. The prevalence of HBV among HCW (0.8%) was significantly higher than in blood-donor candidates (0.2%). Among the HCW who were vaccinated, 86.4% were immunized. Multivariate analysis revealed that increased age reduced the chance of immunization. Among the occupational factors, time in service contributed to a 14% increase in the chances of having positive serology, and work-related injuries increased the risk of HBV infection 4.29 times. The maximum risk sector presented a larger number of HCW with positive anti-HBc serology. There was a higher seroconversion in HCW who received the full set of HBV vaccines. In HCW with positive serology, the factors that presented greatest risks were time in service, work-related injuries and maximum risk sector.
Ciorlia
Luiz A S
LA
Epidemiology and Public Health Department, Medical School of São José do Rio Preto, Rua Santo Agostinho 281, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil. ciorliampo@yahoo.com.br
Zanetta
Dirce M T
DM
D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000937:Antigen-Antibody Reactions; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001782:Blood Donors; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs; D017758:Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D015415:Biomarkers; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines