A multi-centre cross-sectional study on hepatitis B vaccination coverage and associated factors among personnel working in health facilities in Kumasi, Ghana

As part of efforts to reach the elimination target by 2030, the WHO and CDC recommend that all HCWs adhere to the 3-dose hepatitis B vaccination schedule to protect themselves against the infection. This study assessed Hepatitis B vaccination coverage and associated factors among personnel working in health facilities in Kumasi, Ghana. A cross-sectional study involving 530 HCWs was conducted in four hospitals in Kumasi from September to November, 2023. An investigator-administered questionnaire was employed in gathering participant demographics and other information related to vaccination coverage. IBM SPSS version 26.0 and GraphPad prism 8.0 were used for analysing the data. Even though, majority (70.6%) reported having taken at least one dose of the vaccine, only 43.6% were fully vaccinated ([≥] 3 doses). More than a quarter (29.4%) had not taken any dose of the HBV vaccine. Close to a quarter (23.6%) had not screened or tested for HBV infection in their lifetime. The Statistically significant variables influencing vaccination status were age, marital status, profession and status in the hospital. Majority (44.9%) of the participants who have not taken the vaccine reported they do not have reason for not taking the vaccine and high proportion (80.1%) were willing to take the vaccine when given for free. To combat the low hepatitis B vaccination coverage among healthcare workers in Kumasi, Ghana, amidst the significant public health threat of HBV infection, comprehensive measures are necessary. These include implementing infection prevention control programmes, enhancing occupational health and safety, and conducting health promotion campaigns in healthcare facilities. Extending and intensifying hepatitis B screening and vaccination initiatives to tertiary institutions and encouraging employers, supervisors or team leaders to provide these services nationwide are also recommended.