Full dose of Hepatitis B vaccination and its associated factors among Healthcare workers in Sub-Saharan African countries: A Systematic review and Meta-analysis

Background In low-income countries, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, the low uptake of hepatitis B vaccine, coupled with high infection burden for hepatitis B, makes health-care workers vulnerable for acquiring the infection. The objective of this study was to determine the pooled prevalence of full dose of hepatitis B vaccine and identify associated factors among health care workers in Sub-Saharan Africa. Method PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar were systematically searched using Boolean operators. Eligible cross-sectional studies published from January 2017 to December 2024 in English with a quality score of 75% and above using Joanna Briggs Institute’s checklist were included for further review and analysis. Studies were screened for their consistency with the title, abstract and research question. The pooled prevalence of full dose hepatitis B vaccination and the effect size of associated factors were estimated using DerSimonian and Laird’s random-effect model. Heterogeneity among studies was assessed using I² statistic and Cochran’s Q test. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were conducted to identify the source of heterogeneity and the effect of single study effect on the pooled estimates. Egger’s test, funnel plot and trim and fill was also performed to assess publication bias. Result 19 studies out of 1377 articles assessed met the inclusion criteria and were included for further analysis. The estimated pooled full dose of HBV vaccine among health care workers was 38% (95% CI: 24%–51%). Male gender, training on infection prevention and screened for hepatitis b virus before were found to be significant factors associated with full dose vaccination. Conclusion The level of full dose vaccination for Hepatitis B vaccination among health care workers was low and needs more attention. Routine hepatitis screening and infection prevention training contributes for the full coverage of hepatitis B vaccination among health care workers. Hospitals and health facilities should prepare and deliver health education tailored for health care providers working at clinical settings and at risk of hepatitis B infection to achieve full dose vaccination coverage. Policies, strategies, campaigns and educations have to implemented to improve HBV vaccination for health care workers in Sub-Saharan Africa with a particular attention for female providers . Registration: This systematic review protocol was registered on PROSPERO with ID CRD42025635990