Publications

Hepatitis stands for “inflammation of the liver” and five types of viruses can cause viralhepatitis. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a virus that only can infect humans and today 240 millionpeople are infected by chronic HBV in the world. The infectious agent in HBV is transmittedwith body fluids such as blood, vaginal fluids, semen, saliva, and mucous membranes. Thisstudy was carried out to determine the rate of full hepatitis B vaccination and its associatedfactors among medical workers at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, Jinja District, EasternUganda. A cross-sectional study design using unbiased descriptive qualitative andquantitative approaches was done to determine the rate of full hepatitis B vaccination andits associated factors among medical workers at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, JinjaDistrict, Eastern Uganda. A sample of 245 medical workers was recruited for the study.Majority 125(51.0%) were aged 18-35 years, 109(44.5%) were Basoga by tribe, many 92(37.6%)were catholic, many 105(43.8%) were of diploma level of education, and lastly majority157(64.1%) were married. Only 22 (9.0%) adhered to hepatitis B vaccination i.e. got all 3 doseswhile 223(91%) did not adhere i.e. get the 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccination. It was foundthat none of the socio-demographic factors has a p-value less than 0.2. Thus, no sociodemographicfactor proceeded to the multivariate analysis. The study found that familysupport, friends support and partner support had a p-value less than 0.2. Thus, proceededfor multivariate analysis showed family support and partner support were significantlyrelated to full hepatitis B vaccination. Participants who were supported by their partnerswere 24.55 times more likely to complete the hepatitis B vaccination dose compared to thosenot supported by their partners. Finally, participants who were not supported by theirfamilies were 2% less likely to complete the hepatitis B vaccination dose compared to thosesupported by their families. The rate of full Hepatitis B vaccination was established to be low(only 9.0% adhered to full vaccination against Hepatitis B ) while a substantial number ofrespondents (91% did not adhere to full Hepatitis B vaccination as per the guidelines) amongmedical workers at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital. This reflects a potential danger tomedical workers who could accidentally acquire HBV infection. Therefore, the study drewrecommendations that the vaccination policy on HBV should be strengthened andimplemented, and follow-up strategies for those vaccinated to ensure full dose completion. There is a need to increase the availability of personal protective gear and usage by health workers for protection during contact with patients.