Seroprevalence and Knowledge of Hepatitis B and C among Healthcare workers in three healthcare centers in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract Hepatitis B and C viruses are occupational risks for healthcare workers due to exposure to body fluids and blood of patients from percutaneous injuries. A major task in the health sector is to ascertain the burden of these diseases among healthcare workers in order to reduce its spread among caregivers and patients accessing care units. This study investigated the seroprevalence of viral hepatitis B and C infections among HCWs in three medical centers in Karu Local Government area, Nasarawa State. Sociodemographic data was collected through self-administered questionnaires for two Hundred and fifteen (215) healthcare workers of the three selected hospitals between January to March, 2019. Five (5mL) of whole blood samples were collected into Tri-potassium ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (K3EDTA) container from individual participants and screened for Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg) and antibody to Hepatitis C Virus (anti -HCV). Data was processed and analysed using SPSS version 20 software. The overall seroprevalence of hepatitis among the HCWs were HBsAg 13.0%, HCV 2.8% and 0.3% were co-infected with both viruses. Percentage prevalence of HBsAg based on occupational status were Doctors 1.4%, Nurses 2.3%, Allied health care workers 3.2.0%, Administrative Staff 1.4% and unskilled workers 4.6%. The knowledge and awareness of viral hepatitis was high among Doctors (100%), Nurses (92%), and Allied health workers (80%) while a substantial percentage of the Administrative staff (27%) and unskilled workers (73%) had poor knowledge of the infectious pathogens. Not all respondents who are hepatitis B non-reactive have received hepatitis B vaccination. This study revealed the seroprevalence of disease burden and the significance of knowledge on the awareness of hepatitis B and C in vaccine uptake. The professional cadre, knowledge of HBV and HCV and Vaccine uptake were not associated with HBV and HCV status. Concerned authorities are expected to increase the knowledge and awareness of HBV and HCV among this group. Policies and guidelines of infection prevention and control practices should be implemented to ensure safety in a workplace environment.