Strategy to control occupational risk for Hepatitis B: impact on the vaccination and seroconversion rates in dentistry students

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the development of a dentistry school strategy in order to reduce the occupational risk related to hepatitis B. Methods: The academic registration documents of 242 students entering the institution between the years 2006 and 2013, were evaluated, among which were of copies of the updated vaccination cards and anti-HBs serologic testing. Demographic variables and others related to the vaccination status of hepatitis B and seroconversion were considered. Results: One hundred percent of the students were found to be vaccinated, and 87.2% had vaccination records of three doses. The results of anti-HBs tests proved seroconversion in 91.3% of the students. From 2011, the dental school was able to institutionalize the follow-up behavior of the students who had anti-HBs non-reactive. Of the twenty individuals whose serology was negative, nine students (45% of the total and all of the 2011-2013 class) were followed-up and repeated the basic vaccination and anti-HBs test; eight seroconverted and one was considered a non-responder, increasing the percentage of immune students to 95%. Eleven (55%) had other unregistered behavior or the documents analyzed showed no data on them. Conclusion: The procedure of following-up the registration in vaccination records required by the Biosafety Committee of the institution was shown to be effective in reducing the occupational risk of hepatitis B among the students.RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever a experiência de uma Faculdade de Odontologia para redução do risco ocupacional relacionado à hepatite B. Métodos: Foram avaliados os documentos de cadastro acadêmico dos 242 alunos com ingresso na instituição entre os anos de 2006 a 2013, dos quais faziam parte cópias da carteira de vacinação atualizada e do teste sorológico anti-HBs. Variáveis demográficas e relacionadas à situação vacinal da hepatite B e de soroconversão foram consideradas. Resultados: Verificou-se que 100% dos discentes foram vacinados, sendo que para 87,2% havia registro de vacinação em três doses. Os resultados do anti-HBs comprovaram a soroconversão em 91,3% dos alunos. Dos 20 indivíduos, cuja sorologia foi negativa, 9 alunos (45% do total e todos das turmas de 2011 a 2013) foram acompanhados e repetiram o esquema básico de vacinação e o teste anti-HBs, sendo que 8 soroconverteram e 1 foi considerado não respondedor, elevando a frequência de alunos imunes para 95%. Os 11 (55%) restantes não tiveram conduta registrada ou não havia dados sobre os mesmos nos documentos analisados. Conclusão: A conduta de acompanhamento vem mostrando-se efetiva para reduzir o risco ocupacional da hepatite B entre os alunos.