Prevalence of Hepatitis B infection in nurses in the Gampaha district and some associated risk factors

Abstract

Objective: To estimate prevalence of antibody against hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAb) and surfaceantigen (HBsAg) in nurses in Gampaha district and identify risk factor associated with hepatitis B infection. Methodology:In 300 nurses selected using a stratified random sampling procedure, blood was examined for the presence of HBcAb and HBsAg. Information on risk factors was obtained using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Risk of disease associated with each exposure was determined by comparing nurses who were found to be HbcAb positive with those who were negative. Relative importance of risk factors was examined using logistic regression analysis. Results:Prevalence of hepatitis B infection as indicated by the presence of HBcAb was estimated to be 11.6%. Hepatitis B carrier status as determined by a positive HBsAg was 2%. Age, duration of employment, a history of needle stick injury, past history of jaundice and illness with jaundice in , the spouse were identified as significant risk factors after controlling for confounding effects. There was no increase in risk of infection in association with given work settings or with non-occupational exposures. Conclusions:HBV infection is an occupational hazard among nurses that necessitates prevention programmes. Vaccination should ideally be offered at recruitment or early in their career.

Keywords

• nurses, hepatitis b, biological hazard