| dc.description.abstract | Introduction: Hepatitis B vaccination among health workers is one of the most cost effective
strategies of preventing the occupation risk of infection with the hepatitis B virus. With its
relatively modest costs and high benefits, HBV immunization continues to be one of the best
values for public health investment today. The protection of health workers at their work
place against Hepatitis B infection appears to be an emerging concern because of the
increasing prevalence of hepatitis B in different regions of Uganda, coupled with low
vaccination coverage and low utilization of personal protective gear by health workers.
However, there is little literature on the factors that influence uptake and access to the
hepatitis B vaccine among health workers. Given that Uganda has experienced several
outbreaks of hepatitis B over the last couple of years and the increasing prevalence of
hepatitis B in Uganda now estimated at 12%, this study assessed the determinants of access
and uptake of hepatitis B vaccination among health workers in South Western Uganda.
Objectives of the study: The broad objective of the study was to establish the determinants
of uptake and access to Hepatitis B vaccination among health care workers in public health
facilities in South Western Uganda so as to suggest evidence based measures that can be
undertaken to increase its access and uptake by health workers. The specific objectives of the
study were; to determine the individual, institutional and policy factors that influence uptake,
to determine the pattern of uptake of hepatitis-B vaccination, to identify determinants
associated with the risk of occupational exposure to Hepatitis B virus infection among health
workers and to explore the influence of knowledge and attitudes of health workers towards
hepatitis B vaccination on uptake of HBV vaccination in South western Uganda.
Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional institution based study conducted in
four districts of South Western Uganda. Sampling was done both randomly and conveniently.
Data were collected through use of a semi-structured questionnaire, conducting key informant
interviews, review of primary documents and observation. Analysis of quantitative data was
by using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 16.0 and Excel computer
programmes. The data was presented in form of tables with percentages and cross
tabulations. Qualitative data was organized according to major themes based on the
objectives of the study. Key statements of major significance were reported verbatim so as to
give the exact meaning as presented by the respondents.
Results: The findings revealed that; 75.7% of health workers had ever received at least one
dose of the vaccine but only but only 57.2% had completed the three doses. 62% had ever
tested for HBV. Socio-demographic characteristics (sex, age, level of education, location of
work place) of the individual influenced uptake and access of hepatitis B vaccination among
health care workers. Females were more likely to uptake the HBV vaccine than males.
Contrary to the expectations, health workers of certificate level of education were more likely
to be vaccinated than those with higher qualifications. 49.8% of the entire work force was
people of ages between 26-36 years. Marital status had an influence on uptake of HBV
vaccine with married health workers were more likely to be vaccinated than single health
workers. The most significant factor influencing uptake and access was availability of the
vaccine, lack of awareness, distance to vaccination centre, cost of vaccine, communication
gap between health facilities and the district, complacency of health workers, perception of
low risk among others. 78.3% reported that there was no written policy at their health
facilities on vaccination of health workers. Duration of service influenced uptake and access
to the HBV vaccine with a peak level (35.8%) uptake among health workers who had
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serviced for 1-3 years. Serving as a health worker for less than 1 year and more than 3 years
reduced chances of uptake of the vaccine.
Conclusion: Given these findings, the study identified the main determinants of uptake and
access to hepatitis B vaccination among health care workers as being; availability of the
vaccine in health centre, lack of enough knowledge about hepatitis B, perception of low risk
of exposure, inaccessibility due to geographical location, availability of HBV test kits,
reluctance or laxity of health workers, cost of the vaccine, lack of a mandatory policy on
hepatitis B vaccination, lack of personal protective gear, attitudes and perceptions relating to
infection and vaccine safety, management support as well support from government. The
study also concluded that level of education and marital status, have a significant influence
on uptake of hepatitis B vaccination among health workers | en_US |
