Vacinação contra hepatite B e exposição ocupacional no setor saúde em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais

Hepatitis B vaccine among healthcare workers: factors associated with the dimensions of the Health Belief Model

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between the dimensions of the Health Belief Model (HBM) and complete vaccination for hepatitis B among healthcare workers (HCW).

METHODS

Cross-sectional epidemiological study with HCW in Primary Health and Medium Complexity Care. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed to test the association between the outcome variable (complete vaccination for hepatitis B based on self-report) and the variables of the HBM dimensions. Prevalence ratio (PR) and its respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated.

RESULTS

453 HCW participated. The prevalence of complete vaccination for hepatitis B was 56.9%. In the final analysis model, the following variables were associated with complete vaccination for hepatitis B: chances of having hepatitis B (PR=1.73) - related to the susceptibility dimension; disease severity (PR=0.74) - related to severity; reduced risk of absenteeism (PR=1.29) - related to benefits; not spending time to get vaccinated (PR=1.41) and not worrying about Events Supposedly Attributable to Vaccination or Immunization (PR=1.43) - related to barriers.

CONCLUSIONS

The completeness of the hepatitis B vaccination schedule, reported by the investigated HCW, reveals the prevalence is below the target established by the Ministry of Health, which follows the national scenario of low coverage presented for other age groups. Understanding the risk perception and severity of hepatitis B can contribute to increasing the prevalence of vaccination for this infection.

Barriers to and Facilitators of Hepatitis B Vaccination among the Adult Population in Indonesia: A Mixed Methods Study

To reach the goals of the Global Hepatitis Elimination 2030 program, Indonesia is now preparing a new regulation for hepatitis B vaccinations for adult population. This study aimed to determine the factors influencing vaccine uptake for hepatitis B in the adult population, and identify barriers to, and facilitators of, hepatitis B vaccination programmes. An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was implemented in this study. We conducted a survey involving 893 participants in the general population followed by 14 in-depth interviews with health providers. The survey found that only 15% (95% confidence interval 13-18%) of participants received at least one dose of the hepatitis B vaccine. Factors associated with vaccine uptake were, living in Yogyakarta compared to living in Aceh, having secondary and higher education compared to primary education, working as a health worker compared to working in other sectors, and having health insurance that covered hepatitis B vaccination compared to not having such health insurance. Our qualitative study also identified several barriers to the adult hepatitis B vaccination programme in Indonesia such as the high cost of vaccination, lack of vaccine availability in certain areas, limited human resources to implement the hepatitis B vaccination programme, and the ineffective dissemination of hepatitis B vaccination. This study highlights that accessibility and affordability of vaccinations are important determinants of vaccination uptake that should be taken into account when planning vaccination campaigns.

Knowledge, Vaccination Status, and Reasons for Avoiding Vaccinations against Hepatitis B in Developing Countries: A Systematic Review

(1) Background: The coverage of hepatitis B vaccination remains low in developing countries to date. This systematic review thus analyzes the determinants of people's knowledge and vaccination status as well as the reasons why people in developing countries chose not to receive the hepatitis B vaccination. (2) Methods: We searched four databases to identify all studies from developing countries published within the past 10 years. Both low-risk and high-risk populations aged older than 15 years old were eligible for the study. The quality of studies was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale assessment. (3) Results: This study identified 2443 articles, 89 of which were included in the analysis. Monthly income, occupational status, and profession as a health-care worker were the strongest predictive factors for both knowledge of hepatitis B and vaccination status. In addition, strong predictor variables of hepatitis B knowledge were knowing an infected person and level of education, while health insurance, management's protection at workplace, infection training, and experience of hepatitis B exposure were strong influencing factors for vaccine uptake. (4) Conclusions: Exposure to information, support from institutions, and financial support related to vaccination cost have a positive impact on the knowledge about hepatitis B infection and vaccination coverage.

Matrix of strategic recommendations for immunization of health workers

BACKGROUND

Health workers are at high risk of exposure to contagious diseases, many of which might be prevented through vaccination. According to the Brazilian labor legislation, vaccination is a right of workers and an obligation for employers.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a matrix of strategic recommendations relative to the vaccination status of health workers as a function of the risks to which this occupational group is exposed.

METHODS

Qualitative study performed at a Health Basic Unit in November and December 2016. We held three workshops with an average of 22 participants and following a problematization method based on the Maguerez arc approach. The data collected in the workshops were recorded on a field notebook.

RESULTS

The selected method helped the participants gain insights the process of illness and healthcare. The workshops resulted in a matrix of recommendations of strategies to orient and monitor immunizations for health workers, including: information on vaccinations recommended for health workers, vaccination status updates and occupational health surveillance.

CONCLUSION

The present study provides grounds for occupational healthcare as concerns the vaccination status of the participants and other health workers. The resulting strategic recommendations aim at improving the vaccination status of health workers and thus reduce the risk of diseases preventable through immunizations, which might be a reason for sickness absenteeism, and even of indefinite sick leave.

[Vaccination and associated factors among health workers]

This study aimed to analyze factors associated with vaccination of municipal health workers in Bahia State, Brazil. This was a cross-sectional study from 2010 and 2012 with 3,084 workers in primary and medium-complexity care. The following indicators were described: prevalence of vaccination in the adult calendar according to the Brazilian National Immunization Program (PNI) and the completeness of vaccination regimens according to sociodemographic, economic, work, domestic overload, psychosocial, satisfaction and social support at work, occupational, life habits, health status, and self-rated health variables. Multivariate analysis was performed to assess the joint effect of the study variables. Only 38.5% of the workers reported complete vaccinal status for all the vaccines in the adult calendar. Completeness of the vaccination card showed a positive association with: female gender (95%CI: 1.42-2.10), working directly in patient care (95%CI: 1.26-1.71), having technical resources for the development of the professional activities (95%CI: 1.02-1.34), social support at work (95%CI: 1.02-1.26), contact with biological material (95%CI: 1.39-1.75), preparation of medications (95%CI: 1.10-1.44), and positive self-rated health (95%CI: 1.03-1.41). Factors such as sociodemographic conditions and occupational exposure have an influence on vaccination. Given the resurgence of immune-preventable diseases, it is necessary to monitor health workers' vaccinal status. The phenomenon should be analyzed according to its complexity, focusing on aspects related to resistance that extrapolate the issues usually measured and allow the investigation of beliefs attributed to vaccines.

Seroprotection against Vaccine-Preventable Diseases amongst Health Care Workers in a Community Hospital, Qatar

Background:

Health care workers (HCW) are at high risk of contracting various infectious diseases and play a dual role in the transmission of infections in health care facilities.

Objective:

To determine the seroprotection against hepatitis B, measles, rubella, and varicella among HCWs in a community hospital in Qatar.

Methods:

This is a cross-sectional survey conducted in a 75-bed community hospital in Dukhan, Qatar. From August 2012 to December 2015, 705 HCWs were tested for the presence of IgG antibodies for measles, rubella, and varicella, and also for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). They were also asked about previous history of hepatitis B vaccination.

Results:

595 (84.4%) HCWs received a full hepatitis B vaccination schedule; 110 (15.6%) received a single dose. The full schedule was reported with higher frequency by nurses (90.2%) compared to physicians (74.1%) or technicians (79.7%). Those aged ≥30 years (90.4%) and <20 years of work experience had received a full vaccination schedule more frequently than younger and less experienced HCWs. Female HCWs (87.8%) received full schedule more frequently than males (78.8%). 73.4% of the staff had seroprotection against heaptitis B, with the lowest anti-HBsAg titers observed in physicians (58.8%) compared with other categories; males (64.9%) were less protected than females. The seropositivity was 85.6%(95% CI 82.4% to 88.4%) for measles, 94.7% (95% CI 92.2% to 97.3%) for rubella, and 92.2% (95% CI 89.7% to 94.7%) for varicella.

Conclusion:

HCWs, particularly physicians, are not enough protected against hepatitis B. The seroprotection against measles, rubella, and varicella.

Factors associated with immunization against Hepatitis B among workers of the Family Health Strategy Program

Cross-sectional study conducted among workers of the Family Health Strategy Montes Claros.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the report of vaccination against Hepatitis B, verification of immunization and the factors associated with dosages of anti-HBs.

METHOD

We collected blood samples from those reported that they had one or more doses of the vaccine. We evaluated the association of the dosage of anti- HBs with sociodemographic conditions, occupational and behavioral. The associations were verified by Mann Whitney and Kruskal Wallis and correlation Spermann by linear regression using SPSS® 17.0.

RESULTS

Among the 761 respondents, 504 (66.1%) were vaccinated, 52.5 % received three doses, 30.4 % verified immunization. Of the 397 evaluated for the determination of anti-Hbs, 16.4% were immune.

CONCLUSION

It was found that longer duration of work was associated with higher levels of anti-HBs, while levels of smoking were inversely associated with anti-HBs. These workers need for vaccination campaigns.

Hepatitis B vaccination coverage in patients with diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

Analyze the factors associated with full hepatitis B vaccination (three doses) in patients with diabetes mellitus.

METHOD

Cross-sectional study, conducted in a health unit in a city in the state of São Paulo, with 255 patients on outpatient follow-up, in 2014. Data were obtained from the computerized system of the Municipal Health Department and via a structured questionnaire. A logistic regression model was used for analysis.

RESULTS

Full hepatitis B vaccination was noted in 13.7% of the patients and shown to be directly associated with their educational level (OR=1.30; CI: 1.07-1.57) and current or previous work as a health professional (OR=3.21; CI: 1.16-8.89).

CONCLUSION

Hepatitis B vaccination coverage was found to be low in patients with diabetes mellitus, indicating their vulnerability to this serious and potentially fatal disease. Higher educational level and working in the field of health were associated with better vaccination coverage.

OBJETIVO

Analisar os fatores associados à vacinação completa contra hepatite B (3 doses) em pacientes com diabetes mellitus.

MÉTODO

Estudo transversal, realizado em uma Unidade de Saúde, de uma cidade do interior paulista, com 255 pacientes em seguimento ambulatorial, em 2014. Os dados foram obtidos no sistema informatizado da Secretaria Municipal de Saúde e por meio de um questionário estruturado e, para análise, modelo de regressão logística.

RESULTADOS

Vacinação completa contra hepatite B foi observada em 13,7% dos pacientes e mostrou-se diretamente associada ao nível de escolaridade (OR=1,30; IC: 1,07-1,57) e ao trabalho atual ou pregresso como profissional da saúde (OR=3,21; IC: 1,16-8,89).

CONCLUSÃO

A cobertura vacinal contra hepatite B mostrou-se baixa em pacientes com diabetes mellitus, evidenciando a vulnerabilidade a essa doença grave e potencialmente fatal. Maior escolaridade e o trabalho na área da saúde foram associados a melhor cobertura vacinal.

Hospital housekeepers: Victims of ineffective hospital waste management

Improper waste management exposes hospital housekeepers to biological risk. The objectives of this study were to identify the frequency and profile of exposure incidents, classify the role of sharps waste, and compare the first and last occurrences for hospital housekeepers with multiple exposure incidents. A retrospective epidemiological study using Brazilian records from 1989 to 2012 was conducted. Data analyzed included hospital treatment records and the state notification database. Probabilistic linkage was performed using LinkPlus and data analysis using SPSS. There were 996 (11.6%) injuries, with 57 (6.1%) workers reporting multiple occurrences, for a total of 938 workers. These were primarily needlestick injuries (98.5%), involving blood (85.6%), caused by hypodermic needles (75.1%), and improper sharps disposal (70.8%). The number of workers completing vaccination after their first injury and before their last injury was statistically significant. Additional efforts to prevent and manage exposure incidents are needed.

Sickness absence among health workers in belo horizonte, brazil

OBJECTIVES

To describe the prevalence of sickness absence and to analyze factors associated with the outcome according to gender in a sample of healthcare workers at the Belo Horizonte Health Department.

METHOD

This study was based on a Belo Horizonte Health Department survey carried out between September 2008 and January 2009. From a randomly selected sample of 2,205 workers, 1,808 agreed to participate. Workers were classified into Health Staff or Health Care. Other explanatory variables were social and demographic data, work characteristics, and personal health. The Poisson regression was applied to analyze factors associated with sickness absence by the prevalence ratio (PR).

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of sickness absence was 31.5% (23.8% for men and 34.6% for women). In the final model, we found higher rates of sickness absence in both male and female workers involved in tasks with high psychosocial demands (PR=1.86 men; PR=1.38 women) and in those that reported using medication for treating chronic diseases (PR=1.96 men; PR=1.50 women). Women having a permanent job contract had a higher prevalence of sickness absence than those having a temporary job contract (PR=1.71).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest a paradox in how healthcare is organized: good results in terms of its global objective of providing healthcare for citizens contrast with lack of effective measures for protecting healthcare workers.

Hepatitis B in Rondônia (Western amazon region, Brazil): descriptive analysis and spatial distribution

BACKGROUND

The Amazon is one of the regions who have the highest rates of infection by the hepatitis B virus in the world. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiological data and spatial distribution of hepatitis B cases reported between 2002 and 2012 in the Brazilian State of Rondônia.

METHODS

Social and clinical data of these individuals were studied through the Information System for Notifiable Diseases (SINAN), including the following variables: gender, age group, vaccination, contact with a known patient with HBV, exposure to risk factors, source of infection, and clinical status.

RESULTS

There were 7,132 cases reported in Rondônia, with an average incidence rate of 42/100,000 inhabitants per year. The municipalities with the highest incidence rates were Monte Negro (187.6/100,000 inhabitants) and Ariquemes (157.2/100,000 inhabitants). The 20-39 year-old age group had the highest number of cases (n = 3,834), and 69.9% of patients were likely infected via sexual contact. Regarding the clinical disease status, most of the patients (80.7%) were in the chronic phase.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a recent 402% increase in the diagnosis of hepatitis B, which is likely owing to the improvements in the public diagnostic system. This highlights the need for public policies to prevent and control the disease.

Hepatitis B vaccination in adolescents living in Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil

INTRODUCTION

Viral hepatitis is an important public health problem in Brazil and around the world.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate vaccination coverage against hepatitis B in adolescents and to identify the associated factors and reasons for non-adherence.

METHODS

A cross-sectional population-based study with sampling by clusters and in two stages, carried out from records of 702 adolescents aged 11 to 19 years old, non-institutionalized, living in an urban area of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil, in 2008/2009. The data were obtained from the Health Survey in the city of Campinas (ISACamp).

RESULTS

The prevalence of vaccination (3 doses) was 72.2%. An independent and negative association with the vaccine was observed for the adolescents who were not born in the municipality. The orientation of a health care provider was positively and significantly associated with vaccination. The main reasons for non-adherence were the lack of orientation and not considering the vaccine necessary. Socioeconomic factors, health behaviors and conditions did not restrict the access to vaccination, but the coverage was below the target established by the Ministry of Health in Brazil.

CONCLUSION

Health education programs, addressing the importance of vaccination to prevent the disease; strategies to actively reach out adolescents that did not complete the schedule; as well as orientation from the health care professional about the benefits of the vaccine to the adolescents, parents and guardians can extend the vaccination coverage.

Vacinação contra hepatite B e Anti-HBS entre trabalhadores da saúde

ResumoObjetivoAvaliar a prevalência de vacinação para hepatite B e os fatores associados entre trabalhadores da atenção primária e da média complexidade do setor saúde.MetodologiaEstudo transversal com 506 trabalhadores do setor saúde de um município do Recôncavo Baiano. Utilizou-se questionário para investigar situação vacinal para hepatite B. Análises uni e bivariada foram utilizadas para avaliação dos fatores associados à vacinação.ResultadosHouve predomínio do sexo feminino (78,3%) e do vínculo de trabalho permanente (63,8%); além disso, 78,1% dos trabalhadores fizeram uma avaliação positiva da saúde. A maioria referiu ter recebido três doses da vacina contra hepatite B (59,9%). Enfermeiras, técnicas e médicos estiveram mais imunizados (91,8%). Os fatores associados à vacinação foram: sexo, idade, escolaridade, uso de equipamento de proteção individual e contato com material biológico.DiscussãoA prevalência da vacinação completa contra hepatite B foi de 59,9%, indicando uma cobertura baixa. É preciso estimular os profissionais que não desenvolveram um nível de anticorpos adequado após o esquema vacinal primário a refazer uma quarta dose.ConsideraçõesIndivíduos que não estão imunes à doença devem ser informados que são suscetíveis ao VHB até que tenham comprovação imunológica. Questões sobre biossegurança nos currículos acadêmicos colaboraram para incorporação de atitudes mais positivas frente à adesão à vacinação.

Hepatitis B vaccination coverage and postvaccination serologic testing among medical students at a public university in Brazil

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the hepatitis B vaccination coverage among medical students at a public university in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and their compliance with the postvaccination serologic testing recommendations. Of the total of 858 students, 675 (78.7%) participated in the study. Among the participants, 48.9% (95% CI: 45.1% to 52.7%) were vaccinated against hepatitis B (received ≥ 3 doses of the vaccine), 31.6% were not (received 0, 1 or 2 doses), and 19.6% did not know their vaccination status. Hepatitis B vaccination coverage increased from 26.0% among first-year students to 70.6% among sixth-year students while the prevalence of unknown vaccination status decreased from 39.7% among first-year students to 2.4% among sixth-year students. The frequency of unvaccinated students ranged from 23.7% among fifth-year students to 34.4% among first-year students. Only 34.8% of the vaccinated students performed the anti-HBs testing after vaccination. Among these medical students, we found a low adherence to the hepatitis B vaccination and to the postvaccination serologic testing. A comprehensive hepatitis B immunization program should be offered to students at this medical school.

Biological risk among hospital housekeepers

Although not directly responsible for patient care, hospital housekeepers are still susceptible to accidents with biological material. The objectives of this study were to establish profile and frequency of accidents among hospital housekeepers, describe behaviors pre- and postaccident, and risk factors. This was a cross-sectional study with hospital housekeepers in Goiania, Brazil. Data were obtained from interviews and vaccination records. The observations were as follows: (1) participating workers: 94.3%; (2) incomplete hepatitis B vaccination: 1 in 3; and (3) accident rate: 26.5%, mostly percutaneous with hypodermic needles, and involved blood from an unknown source; roughly half occurred during waste management. Upon review, length of service less than 5 years, completed hepatitis B vaccination, and had been tested for anti-HBs (hepatitis B surface antigen) influenced frequency of accidents. These findings suggest that improper disposal of waste appears to enhance the risk to hospital housekeepers. All hospital workers should receive continued training with regard to waste management.

Musculoskeletal pain among healthcare workers: an exploratory study on gender differences

BACKGROUND

Musculoskeletal disorder rates among healthcare workers are high compared to other occupational groups. Studies indicate a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in women as compared to men in most productive sectors. The objectives of our study were to assess the prevalence of upper-limb musculoskeletal pain in male and female employees of the Belo Horizonte municipal Health Department, and to identify associated factors, considering individual and occupational characteristics, by gender.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study of a proportional sample of 1,721 subjects from a universe of 13,602 workers in the municipal health system evaluated the prevalence of self-reported upper-limb musculoskeletal pain. The magnitude of the associations was estimated by Poisson regression.

RESULTS

The prevalence of upper-limb musculoskeletal pain was 24.1% among women and 11.0% among men. Women who had high domestic workloads, and performed tasks under high strain showed high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain. For women and men, a high prevalence of upper-limb pain was reported by those who performed highly physically demanding tasks, and those exposed to poor environmental conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest gender differences in the distribution of upper-limb musculoskeletal pain across occupational groups. It also support initiatives that focus on the need to give visibility to the different effects of working conditions on the health of occupational groups and suggest the importance of developing specific measures to promote women's health. The higher prevalence of pain observed among women with high domestic workloads suggests the importance of these activities when evaluating workload in occupational studies.