Healthcare at Risk: Why Do Sudan’s Healthcare Workers Face Gaps in Hepatitis B Virus Protection?

TL;DR

This study finds that many healthcare workers in Sudan lack full hepatitis B vaccination due to vaccine shortages and low awareness, increasing their risk of infection.

Contribution

The study identifies vaccine unavailability and low awareness as key barriers to hepatitis B protection among Sudanese healthcare workers.

Findings

Only 41.1% of healthcare workers completed the hepatitis B vaccination regimen.

Vaccine unavailability was the main reason for incomplete or absent vaccination.

Fully vaccinated workers had significantly lower exposure risk from needlestick injuries.

Abstract

Background

Hepatitis B, a widespread and potentially life-threatening viral infection, affects millions globally. Transmission occurs through exposure to the bodily fluids of infected individuals, placing healthcare workers (HCWs) at heightened risk due to frequent contact with patients. This study evaluated hepatitis B vaccination rates, causes of incomplete immunization, and incidents of needlestick injuries among HCWs at Khartoum Teaching Hospital, Sudan.

Methods

Seventy-three HCWs from the different departments of Khartoum teaching hospital departments were recruited. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire following informed verbal consent. The collected data focused on hepatitis B vaccine adherence and barriers to full vaccination.

Results

Of the 73 HCWs (primarily aged 20-30 years), 30 (41.1%) had completed the three-dose vaccination regimen as per guidelines. In contrast, 14 (19.2%) received partial doses, and 29 (39.7%) were unvaccinated. The predominant reason cited for incomplete or absent vaccination was vaccine unavailability. Additionally, 25 (34.2%) reported prior needlestick injuries or exposure to contaminated materials, with fully vaccinated HCWs showing a statistically significant association with reduced exposure risk (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Inadequate vaccine coverage and supply shortages resulted in incomplete immunization among HCWs. Contributing factors include insufficient awareness and underestimation of hepatitis B’s severe outcomes by medical professionals.

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