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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
medicine
Susceptibility of healthcare workers in Kenya to hepatitis B: new strategies for facilitating vaccination uptake
Journal of Hospital Infection, Volume 64, No. 3, Year 2006
Notification
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Description
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is preventable, yet many healthcare workers (HCWs) in resource-poor countries remain at risk. The aims of this study were to evaluate the susceptibility of HCWs in a Kenyan district to HBV infection, and the feasibility of expanding the Extended Programme of Immunization (EPI) for infants to incorporate hepatitis B vaccination of HCWs. HCWs in Thika district, Kenya were invited to complete an interviewer-administered questionnaire about their immunization status and exposure to blood or body fluids. Participants were asked to provide a blood sample to assess natural or vaccine-induced protection against HBV. All non-immune HCWs were offered hepatitis B vaccination. Thirty percent (168/554) of HCWs reported one or more needlestick injuries (NSIs) in the previous year, with an annual incidence of 0.97 NSIs/HCW/year. Only 12.8% (71/554) of HCWs had received vaccination previously and none had been screened for immunity or for hepatitis B surface antigen. In total, 407 staff provided blood samples; 41% were HBV core antibody, 4% expressed hepatitis B surface antibody from previous vaccination, and 55% were unprotected. Two hundred and twenty-two staff were eligible for vaccine delivered through the EPI infrastructure. Self-motivated uptake of a full course of vaccine was 92% in the smaller health centres and 44% in the district hospital. This study demonstrates the importance of hepatitis B vaccination of HCWs in parts of Africa where high exposure rates are combined with low levels of vaccine coverage. High rates of vaccination can be achieved using childhood immunization systems for the distribution of vaccine to HCWs. © 2006 The Hospital Infection Society.
Authors & Co-Authors
Suckling, R. M.
United Kingdom, Liverpool
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
Taegtmeyer, Miriam M.
United Kingdom, Liverpool
Royal Liverpool University Hospital
Nguku, Patrick Mboya
Kenya, Nairobi
Ministry of Health Nairobi
Al-Abri, Seif Salem
United Kingdom, Liverpool
Royal Liverpool University Hospital
Kibaru, Josephine
Kenya, Nairobi
Ministry of Health Nairobi
Chakaya, Jeremiah Muhwa
Kenya, Nairobi
Ministry of Health Nairobi
Kenya, Nairobi
Kenya Medical Research Institute
Tukei, Peter M.
Kenya, Nairobi
Kenya Medical Research Institute
Gilks, Charles F.
Switzerland, Geneva
Organisation Mondiale de la Santé
Statistics
Citations: 70
Authors: 8
Affiliations: 5
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1016/j.jhin.2006.06.024
ISSN:
01956701
Research Areas
Health System And Policy
Infectious Diseases
Maternal And Child Health
Violence And Injury
Study Design
Cohort Study
Study Locations
Kenya