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Related Experiment Videos

Hepatitis among hospital employees.

D L Palmer, M Barash, R King

    The Western Journal of Medicine
    |April 1, 1983
    PubMed
    Summary

    Healthcare workers face hepatitis B risks, especially in surgery and dentistry. A survey found higher antibody rates in nurses and lab staff, linked to age and prior hepatitis history, not needle sticks.

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    Area of Science:

    • Occupational Health
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Epidemiology

    Background:

    • Healthcare workers are at risk of occupational exposure to infectious diseases.
    • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) poses a significant occupational hazard in healthcare settings.
    • Understanding HBV seroprevalence among hospital staff is crucial for targeted prevention strategies.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To assess the risk of acquiring hepatitis B infection among healthcare personnel in an acute-care teaching hospital.
    • To determine the seroepidemiologic profile of hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody in hospital staff.
    • To identify specific occupational groups and risk factors associated with higher HBV exposure.

    Main Methods:

    • A seroepidemiologic survey was conducted involving 767 hospital staff and preemployment applicants.
    • Blood specimens were collected to test for hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody.
    • Questionnaires gathered data on demographics, work activities, and potential exposure history.

    Main Results:

    • 12.2% of staff had hepatitis B antibodies, significantly higher than the blood donor norm (4.4%).
    • Elevated antibody rates were observed in nursing (16.9%), laboratory (14.0%), surgical (37.5%), and dental (40.0%) personnel.
    • Increased incidence correlated with age and a history of hepatitis, but not with needle-stick exposure or patient contact.

    Conclusions:

    • Certain healthcare roles, particularly dental and surgical staff, exhibit a higher risk of hepatitis B exposure.
    • Age and prior hepatitis history are significant risk factors for HBV infection among hospital workers.
    • Awareness of prior hepatitis infection is low among seropositive employees, highlighting a need for improved health education.

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