Vaccination status and associated factors among healthcare workers providing primary care: a cross-sectional study in Yaoundé, Cameroon
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Background
Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of exposure to vaccine-preventable diseases, including hepatitis B, tuberculosis (TB), and tetanus, due to their occupational environment. Despite the availability of safe and effective vaccines, vaccination coverage among HCWs remains suboptimal in many low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to determine the vaccination coverage for hepatitis B, tuberculosis, and tetanus among HCWs in district hospitals in Yaoundé, Cameroon, and to identify factors associated with incomplete vaccination.
Methods
A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from January to June 2024 across all seven district hospitals in Yaoundé. A total of 406 HCWs were enrolled using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Incomplete vaccination status was defined as nit having received three doses for hepatitis B, at least two doses for TB, and at least three doses for tetanus. Data were analyzed using R Statistics version 4.3.3. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of incomplete vaccination, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Results
Most of participants were female (75.6%) and aged 30-44 years (65.5%). Full vaccination coverage was 36.2% for hepatitis B, 15.8% for tuberculosis, and 53.4% for tetanus. Unvaccinated proportions were 43.1% for hepatitis B, 0.5% for tuberculosis, and 17.2% for tetanus. Multivariate analysis revealed that HCWs aged 55-66 years were significantly less likely to be incompletely vaccinated against hepatitis B compared to those aged 19-29 years (aOR = 0.07; 95% CI: 0.01-0.39; p = 0.004). Nurses and laboratory technicians were more likely to be incompletely vaccinated than doctors (aOR = 7.06; 95% CI: 3.82-13.6; p < 0.001 and aOR = 3.78; 95% CI: 1.73-8.52; p = 0.001, respectively). Longer professional experience was protective against incomplete vaccination for all three vaccines ( p < 0.05). The main barriers to vaccination included high cost, doubts about the need for vaccination, and concerns about side effects.
Conclusions
Vaccination coverage for hepatitis B, tuberculosis, and tetanus among HCWs in Yaoundé remains suboptimal, particularly for hepatitis B. Addressing financial barriers, improving access to vaccines, and implementing targeted educational interventions are essential to enhance vaccine uptake and protect both HCWs and their patients from preventable occupational infections.
