Hepatitis B vaccination of healthcare workers at the Princess Marina Hospital, Botswana

Abstract

Background: Batswana (i.e., the people of Botswana) healthcare workers (HCWs) are at high risk for occupational exposure to hepatitis B virus (HBV), thus the Botswana Ministry of Health recommends that HCWs should receive three doses of hepatitis B (HB) vaccine. However, there are no data on HB vaccination uptake by Batswana HCWs. This study investigated knowledge of, and attitudes towards, HB prevention and control, and predictors of HB vaccination uptake in HCWs at the Princess Marina Hospital during 2010. Methods: Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to doctors, nurses and laboratory workers (n = 200). Knowledge was measured using 14 questions; attitude was measured using a 5-point Likert scale and 9 statements. Data on vaccination status and demographics were collected. Results: Of the respondents, 17.2% (20/116) had good knowledge and 97.4% (113/116) had positive attitudes. At least one dose of HB vaccine had been received by 50.9% (59/116), while 31.0% (36/116) had received all three doses. Profession was the only predictor of HB vaccination uptake, with being a laboratory worker (OR = 61.0) or a doctor (OR = 51.5) predicting HB vaccination uptake with at least one dose. Conclusion: This is the first study on HB vaccination of Batswana HCWs, and shows that HB vaccination uptake is suboptimal.