HEPATITIS-B VACCINATION STATUS AMONG SURGICAL STAFF IN TEACHING HOSPITALS, PESHAWAR

Abstract

Introduction: Health workers are at higher risk of acquiring infectious diseases and hepatitis-B is one of the commonest problems. Prophylactic measure like vaccination is a critical preventive strategy to safeguard against infections, especially for those exposed to viral and bacterial agents.   Therefore, it is recommended to have three doses of vaccine for every individual working in hospitals irrespective of the nature of job and work experience. Health care staff working in the surgical units are an increased risk of getting infections and further transmission to the vulnerable individuals in the community. Methodology: It was descriptive study conducted in different hospitals of Peshawar among health professionals of surgical units; including ward, ICUs and Operation theaters.  The data were collected on check list made by scholar with help of supervisor after doing thorough literature review. The staff members were requested to fill the questionnaire after their verbal consent. They were helped by author when needed. Convenient approach was used for selection. The data were then put on EXCEL sheet and transformed to SPSS for analysis. Results were presented in descriptive and inferential forms of statistics.  Results: Among 363 employees enrolled in this study 73% were male and 27% female with married status 59% who were Surgical/ Anesthesia technologists, Nurses and doctors. Majority, 344 (94.8%) reported that vaccination against HBV should made whereas 318 (87.6%) believed that Surgical staff are at risk of contracting and spreading HBV, 72.5% were concerned regarding HBV infection while, 66 (18.2%) were not afraid of it. The overall vaccination status of HCWs who are immunized was 199 (54.8%). Regarding the hospital policy about HBV vaccination, 137 (37.7%) said their organization imposes compulsory vaccination against hepatitis B, while 109 (30.0%) said there is no such policy. The compliance to WHO recommendation desired to be followed by 193 (53.2%). Those who tend to follow the WHO recommendation 154(79.8) were vaccinated while 36(28.7%) were yet not vaccinated. Reasons for not Vaccination or non-adherence to the recommendation of WHO/hospital Policy included. The main reason for non-adherence or not vaccination was; unawareness, lack of vaccine, lack of trust on effectiveness, cost, carelessness and lack of time. Comparative analysis shows that 65 (63.1%) doctors, 33 (50.8%) anesthesia staff, 57 (43.5%) surgical technologists and 44 (68.8%) surgical nurses were positive for vaccination, showing significant difference (p=0.002).  Conclusion: The health professionals working in surgical units were found to have higher desire for policy ensuring HBV vaccination compulsory for everyone. A higher proportion of doctors and nurses reported that they are fully immunized as compared to surgical and anesthesia technologists.