Protective hepatitis B surface antibody (Anti-HBs) levels among health care workers in Duhok city of Iraq

Abstract

Objective: This cross sectional study aimed to find the prevalence of protective hepatitis B surface antibodies (anti-HBs) and HBV infection among health care workers in Duhok city. Method: In this cross sectional study, 504 health care workers from Duhok city were studied. The data requested included some demographics and risk factors of exposure. Blood samples were tested for HBsAg, anti-HBc and anti-HBs by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The prevalence of protective anti-HBs was higher among vaccinated participants (p<0.001) and was positively associated with the number of vaccine doses (p<0.001). Around 60.0% of participants had received at least one dose of vaccine and 38% were fully vaccinated. Prevalence of postvaccination anti-HBs testing among fully vaccinated participants was 26.7%. The rate of protective anti-HBs levels among fully vaccinated participants was 84.8 %. The rates of HBsAg and overall HBV infection were 1.8%, and 9.5% respectively. HBV infection was significantly associated with occupational exposure to blood (OR=2.38; 95% CI=1.26-4.50) and dental interventions (OR=2.36; 95% CI=1.25-4.46). Conclusion: The rate of protective anti- HBs level among fully vaccinated HCWs is acceptable. Vaccination coverage and post-vaccination testing are still low and there is no post-exposure prophylaxis policy in Duhok health care facilities.