Predictors of Hepatitis B Vaccine Uptake among Healthcare Workers in Sokoto, Nigeria
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Background
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major occupational hazard for healthcare workers (HCWs) in Nigeria, a high-prevalence country. With the HBV vaccine only integrated into the national childhood immunization program in 2004, most current HCWs are potentially unvaccinated and unprotected. This study aimed to determine the hepatitis B vaccine uptake rate and identify its predictors among HCWs in Sokoto State, Nigeria.
Methods
An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted between January and March 2023. A total of 804 HCWs were selected from primary, secondary, and tertiary health facilities using a multistage sampling technique. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude, and vaccine uptake were collected via a structured questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of vaccine uptake.
Results
Only 35.5% (285/804) of HCWs reported receiving at least one dose of the hepatitis B vaccine. Of these, just 51.6% (147/285) were fully vaccinated with three or more doses. Significant positive predictors of uptake included having a positive attitude towards the vaccine (aOR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.19-2.84) and an employer recommending the vaccine at employment (aOR: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.15-2.98). Negative predictors included being a health assistant (aOR: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.03-0.91), working in a tertiary facility (aOR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.24-0.93), having poor knowledge of HBV (aOR: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.07-0.69), and the absence of institutional advocacy (aOR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.30-0.72).
Conclusion
Hepatitis B vaccination coverage among HCWs in Sokoto is critically low, exposing them to significant occupational risk. There is an urgent need for health authorities and hospital management to implement mandatory vaccination policies, coupled with targeted educational programs for vulnerable cadres, to improve uptake and protect this vital workforce.
