Assessment of Hepatitis B Vaccination, Awareness, and Seroprotection Among Healthcare and Support Staff in a Tertiary Care Center in Central India

TL;DR

This study examines hepatitis B vaccination rates, awareness, and protection among healthcare and support staff in a central Indian hospital, finding significant variation between groups.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into vaccination coverage and seroprotection disparities among healthcare and support staff in a specific Indian tertiary care center.

Findings

Healthcare workers had higher vaccination coverage and seroprotection compared to support staff.

Among fully vaccinated individuals, 87.8% achieved seroprotection, while 12.2% were non-responders.

Vaccination status was the strongest predictor of seroprotection, with increasing age associated with lower antibody response.

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatitis B vaccination is a key strategy for preventing occupationally acquired hepatitis B virus infection among healthcare workers. However, variability in vaccination coverage, awareness, and post-vaccination serological monitoring persists across different professional groups in healthcare settings. This study assessed hepatitis B vaccination status, awareness, and seroprotection among healthcare and support staff in a tertiary care center in Central India.

Methods: A prospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted from January to June 2025 among healthcare workers and support staff at a tertiary care teaching hospital. Sociodemographic details, vaccination history, occupational exposure, and awareness were collected using a structured questionnaire. Serum anti-hepatitis B surface antibody levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Seroprotection was defined as anti-HBs ≥ 10 mIU/mL. Associations were assessed using chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of seroprotection.

Results: A total of 676 participants were enrolled, including 429 (63.5%) healthcare workers and 247 (36.5%) support staff. Overall, 328 (48.5%) participants were fully vaccinated, 26 (3.8%) were partially vaccinated, and 322 (47.6%) were unvaccinated. The overall seroprotection rate was 359 (53.1%). Healthcare workers demonstrated higher vaccination coverage and seroprotection compared with support staff. Among fully vaccinated participants, 288 (87.8%) achieved seroprotection, while 40 (12.2%) were non-responders. Natural immunity was observed in a subset of unvaccinated participants. Vaccination status was the strongest independent predictor of seroprotection, and increasing age was associated with lower antibody response among fully vaccinated individuals. Self-reported vaccination awareness showed a significant association with verified seroprotection.

Conclusion: Hepatitis B vaccination coverage and seroprotection varied across professional groups, with comparatively lower levels among support staff. Strengthening inclusive occupational health strategies, improving vaccination documentation, and promoting post-vaccination antibody assessment may further enhance workforce protection in tertiary care settings.

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