Predictors of Hepatitis B Vaccine Acceptance Among Nigerian Primary Health Care Workers
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Date
2013
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Republic of Schichelles
Abstract
Background: Hepatitis B (HB) is a serious and common infectious disease of the
liver. The World Health Organization (WHO) in 2009 reported HB to infect nearly 2
billion people around the world. The potential for Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) transmission in
the occupational setting is greater than for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The
center for disease control (CDC) estimates that 18,000 healthcare workers whose jobs
involve exposure to blood became infected with HBV each year. As a result, 250 people
will die of fulminate hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer
Objective: This study assesses the prevalence, predictors, relative importance of
occupational, epidemiologic, and attitudinal factors in hepatitis B vaccine acceptance.
Method: Stratified random samples of 950 health care workers at risk of
occupational blood exposure in primary health care centers were studied. Potential reasons
for vaccine acceptance or refusal were evaluated with factor analysis. Logistic regression
analysis was used to identify independent predictors of initiating and completing the
vaccination.
Results: The prevalence of acceptance of HBV vaccination was 79.4%, and of
these, 22.5% had completed the required HBV vaccination doses while 48 % had not been
vaccinated at all. About two-third (65.4%) of the unvaccinated subjects said they would
accept vaccination if offered. Hepatitis B vaccine acceptance was related strongly to history
of accidental exposure to blood or blood products, social & peer influence (physicians,
supervisors, role models, friends, and spouse) and knowledge of the disease and vaccine,
whereas refusal was primarily related to concern about vaccine side effects and problems
with vaccine access.
Conclusion: Hepatitis B vaccine should be offered routinely to health care workers
with increased risk of exposure to blood and blood products as well as during evaluation for occupational blood exposure. Health workers must also be educated on occupational
disease risk, liability, and the safety of the hepatitis B vaccine.
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Keywords
Hepatitis B,, Acceptance,, Predictors,, Health worker,, Nigeria
Citation
European Journal of Scientific research