Status of hepatitis B vaccination among surgeons practicing in Ethiopia: a cross sectional study

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a well recognized but under emphasized occupational health hazard in Ethiopia.

To assess the vaccination status against Hepatitis B among surgeons practicing in Ethiopia and the reasons for poor adherence to vaccinations.

A structured questionnaire was developed using the Qualtrics Survey free software tool and sent to 131 surgeons and surgical residents practicing in 28 hospitals. 98 completed and submitted the online survey. The main outcome measures were vaccination status, recent occupational accidents and reasons for non-vaccination.

Ninety-four (95.9%) of the respondents were males, Only 24 (23.5%) were vaccinated against HBV, 18/24 (75%) of whom received the three recommended doses. The main reasons for non vaccination is lack of knowledge about the availability of the vaccine in the country, lack of time and mere negligence. Differences in age, sex, and duration of practice, field of specialty and respondent's institution between vaccinated and unvaccinated were not significant (P > 0.05). Ninety-two (93.9%) believe the vaccination is very useful for the surgeon. 86.4% of the respondents claim they wear double gloves in more than 50% of their operations while 76 (77.6%) had sustained sharp injury over the past one year. 13 (13.25%) of the respondents had taken ART prophylaxis in the past.

Despite their strong belief that HBV vaccine is useful, most surgeons are still not vaccinated. As occupational injuries are very common, Hepatitis B vaccination should be a prerequisite for working in the theatre, hence putting the surgeons and surgical patients at reduced risk.