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A survey of hepatitis B among health workers in Jamaica

J P Figueroa1, H Carpenter, C J Hospedales

  • 1Ministry of Health, Jamaica.

The West Indian Medical Journal
|March 1, 1994
PubMed

One thousand, five hundred and thirty-seven health staff, presenting for hepatitis B vaccination in Jamaica, were surveyed in 1990/91 for hepatitis B markers and/or exposure to blood or hepatitis. Antibodies to either hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) or hepatitis B core (HBc) were found in 19.8% of 817 persons tested. Males were more likely to have antibodies to Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) than females (29% compared with 18%, Odds Ratio 1.6; 95% CI 0.98-2.9). HBsAg was found in 5.3% of 562 persons tested compared with 1% of blood donors. One or more needlestick accidents were reported by 60% of the sample, and blood or liquor splashing on the face was reported by 48%. Jaundice and hepatitis were reported by 1.2% and 3.5% of health staff, respectively. HBsAg carrier status was associated with years of service (p = 0.039). Prevalence of antibodies to HBV increased with age (p = 0.004) and years of service (p = 0.028). The effect of age and years of service appears to be largely independent (r = 0.44). This survey reaffirms the importance of health workers being immunized with hepatitis B vaccine, and adhering rigorously to universal precautions in patient care and laboratory practice.

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