Assessing occupational vaccine uptake and infection control knowledge among healthcare professionals in Cameroon: a...

Due to occupational exposures, healthcare professionals (HCPs) face an increased risk of infectious diseases, particularly in low-resource settings. Despite infection prevention and control (IPC) policies, systemic and behavioral barriers exist in Cameroon. This study assessed the uptake of occupational vaccines (hepatitis B and COVID-19) and IPC knowledge among HCPs in Fako Division of Cameroon.

A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to May 2024 among 276 HCPs from four health facilities in Fako Division. Data were collected using a pretested, structured, self-administered questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regressions were employed to identify predictors of good IPC knowledge and combined vaccine uptake. Significance was set at a P value of <.05.

Hepatitis B vaccine uptake was 67.4%, while COVID-19 was 32.6%. Doctors had the lowest hepatitis B vaccine uptake (50.7%), while midwives had the lowest COVID-19 vaccine uptake (25.0%), compared with other healthcare cadres. Only 34.8% of HCPs demonstrated good IPC knowledge, despite high reported access to personal protective equipment (PPE) (87.3%) and IPC guidelines (87%). Older age (aOR: 2.41, 95% CI: 1.33-4.39) and previous occupational exposures (aOR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.17-3.93) were significantly associated with combined vaccine uptake. PPE availability (aOR: 2.64, 95% CI: 1.04-6.74), >7 years of work experience (aOR: 3.22, 95% CI: 1.11-9.35), and contract employment status (aOR: 4.40, 95% CI: 1.47-13.21) were predictors of good IPC knowledge.

The study highlights gaps in occupational vaccine uptake and IPC knowledge among HCPs in Fako, with significant disparities across professional cadres. There is an urgent need for integrated, experience-based IPC training and targeted vaccine advocacy.