Hepatitis b vaccination uptake among a cohort of nigerian surgical residents

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Transmission of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) from patients to health care personnel (HCP) can occur following occupational exposures. Vaccination is effective in disease prevention. The study aimed to determine the level of uptake of HBV vaccine among a cohort of Nigerian surgical residents.
Method: A cross section of Nigerian surgical residents who attended the West African College of surgeons’ 2014 revision course was studied. A semi-structured questionnaire was completed by the respondents after an informed consent.
Results: A total of 112 residents completed the questionnaire (response rate, 88.9 %). The mean age of the respondents was 33.7 ±4.5 years. The mean duration of training was 36.72 ±20.38 months. All (100%) were aware of HBV vaccine. Full and partial vaccinations were recorded in 55 (49.1%) and 23 (20.5%) residents respectively. Thirty four (30.4%) residents had not received HBV vaccine. Only 6 of those with full HBV vaccination underwent post vaccination test. There was no difference in the means for age (p=0.20) and duration of training (p=0.99) between the group of residents who had received full vaccination and those with partial or no vaccination. All were aware of the risk of HBV transmission following occupational exposure though only 34 (30.4%) strictly complied with universal precaution. An accidental needle or ‘sharps’ injury was recorded in 100 (89.3%) residents during training. Lack of information on HBV vaccination was the major factor limiting the practice of HBV vaccination while health education was the most frequently suggested interventional factor likely to improve uptake of HBV vaccine.
Conclusion: The participation of Nigerian surgical residents in HBV vaccination is suboptimal. The necessary measures aimed at improving efficiency of HBV vaccination services and further sensitization of this group of doctors should be implemented.

Keywords: Hepatitis B Virus, Vaccination, Surgical residents