Carriage of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among healthcare workers in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso in 2021

Abstract

Introduction:
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a public health problem. Healthcare professionals appear to be at high risk of cont racting HBV. Burkina Faso is one of the countries where viral hepatitis B is endemic However, data on viral hepatitis B among health professionals are scarce . Thus, the aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of HBsAg carriage among healthcare wo rk ers in Burkina Faso.
Methods:
We tested serum samples collected as part of a COVID 19 seroprevalence study among healthcare workers, conducted in Ouagadougou between December 2020 and April 2021. Sociodemographic data, job profile and service of healthca re workers from this study were merged with the results of the HBsAg detection The “Abbott Determine® HBsAg” kit was used for testing . Statistical analysis of the data was carried out using Stata 14 software. A descriptive and bivariate analysis was
done. T he chi square test was used to compare subgroups with a statistical threshold of significance p<0.05.
Results:
In total, 243 health care workers were recruited. Among these health professionals, 55.96% were
women and the average age was 37 years old with a standard deviation of 10 years . The prevalence of
HBsAg carriage was 7.4% ([95% IC : 4 7 11 5]5]. There was no statistically significant association between
carriage, sociodemographic factors, job profile, service and compliance with infection prevention a nd
control measures.
Conclusion:
This study showed a high prevalence of viral hepatitis B. These results confirm the need to inform, screen, raise awareness and vaccinate health care workers in Burkina Faso.