scholarly journals Predictors of Seroprevalence of Hepatitis C Infection among Health Care Workers in Nigeria; A Year after Post Implementation of Nigeria’s National Hepatitis Prevention Policy

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 32
Author(s):  
Theresa Nwagha ◽  
Babatunde I Omotowo ◽  
Uchenna N Ijoma ◽  
Ijeoma A Meka ◽  
Obinna D Onodugo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Mass Screening ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Prevention Policy ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Mode Of Transmission

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global public health issue. Health care workers (HCWs) are particularly at risk. Nigeria hepatitis prevention policy aims to achieve country wide elimination of hepatitis through early detection using mass screening with life-style modifications of “at risk population” which are key preventive strategies. AIM: To determine the seroprevalence of HCV infection among HCWs in a large regional referral hospital in Nigeria METHODS: A hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study (hepatitis mass screening) was done at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria between July and August 2016. Non-randomised sampling was used. Blood samples were assayed for antibodies to HCV. Data on knowledge, risk factors and mode of transmission were collected using a structured, pre-validated, pretested, questionnaire and analysed using SPSS version 20. RESULTS: A total of 3132 out of 5144 (60.9%) HCWs participated in the study. The seroprevalence of hepatitis C among UNTH staff was 0.90% (28/3132). The mean knowledge score of 68.95% ± 24.23 and 56.70±17.25 translates to fair knowledge level about mode of transmission and risk of transmission of hepatitis C among HCWs, respectively. There was no reported case of hepatitis B and C co-infection. Females HCWs had highest sero-prevalence for HCV 17/5144 (0.33%) (P = 0.164, AOR= 1.76, 95%CI =0.431-2.413) CONCLUSION: This study found a low seropositivity of HCV among HCWs. A pointer to the possible success of the hospital-based education awareness programme, an implementation of Nigeria’s national hepatitis prevention policy.

scholarly journals Hepatitis C infection in risk groups

2006 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 13-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sead Ahmetagić ◽  
Kasim Muminhodžić ◽  
Elmir Čičkušić ◽  
Vildana Stojić ◽  
Jasminka Petrović ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
Intravenous Drug ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Hepatitis C Infection ◽  
Care Workers

Hepatitis C infection is important global health problem with wide spectrum of health, social and economic consequences. The goal of this research was to estimate prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in risk groups, and to determine association hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and risk factors. Research included 4627 subjects divided in two groups. Test group included 2627 subjects divided in 4 subgroups with risk for HCV infection: those who received blood transfusion without screening on HCV (it was introduced in 1995) (700); intravenous drug users (60); patients on hemodialysis (168) and health care workers (1699). Control group included 2000 healthy volunteer blood donors. In all subjects anti-HCV antibodies were tested with third generation ELISA test. Positive serum samples were tested for presence of HCVRNA, using reaction of reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction. In all anti-HCV positive subjects further epidemiological and clinical workup was performed. Prevalence of HCV infection in risk groups was: 4.6% in subjects who have received blood transfusions without HCV blood screening, 35% in intravenous drug users, 58.9% in patients on chronic dialysis, and 0.4% in health care workers. In control group prevalence was low (0.2%). In the group of 158 anti-HCV positive subjects, 73.4% had HCVRNA. The largest number of subjects with HCV infection was in the age group of 30-49 years (45.8%). This study showed that multiple blood transfusions before introducing the blood screening for HCV, longer duration of intravenous drug abuse, longer duration of hemodialysis treatment, larger number of accidental injuries in health care workers are independent and statistically significant risk factors for those groups examined. Results of this study confirm that general screening for HCV infection is recommended in risk groups for HCV infection in order to identify to prevent and to treat it.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection Among Health Care Workers

1970 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 126-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shahinul Alam ◽  
Nooruddin Ahmad ◽  
Mobin Khan ◽  
Golam Mustafa
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
Surgical Instruments ◽  
Dental Procedures ◽  
Care Workers

Background and aims: Parenteral route is the principal mode of transmission of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). Health care workers are at risk of infection with HCV. Aim of study was to estimate seroprevalence of HCV amongst health care workers and identify possible risk factors of HCV infection. Materials and Methods: 355 health care workers were selected from July 2005 to June 2006 working in different departments of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Among them 43.5% were doctors, 32.1% nurses, 11.8% ward boys, 5.9% operation theatre staffs (OT staffs), and 6.8% others. Sera were tested for HCV antibodies by ELISA. Data analyzed by SPSS 10.0 version. Results: Mean age was 31.56±7.4 years. Males were 51.4% and females 48.6%. Anti-HCV was positive in 5(1.4%) cases out of 355. Most prone to HCV infection were nurses (3) followed by doctor (2). No ward boy or OT staff was affected. Previous surgical (80%) and dental procedures (60%) were the main risk factors than recipients of blood transfusion (20%), intravenous drug users (20%), and multiple sexual exposures (20%). Conclusions: Nurses are more prone to HCV infection. Surgical procedures are the main risk factors for acquiring HCV infection. Proper sterilization of surgical instruments is recommended. (J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2007; 25 : 126-129)

Are health-care workers really at risk of HCV infection?

The Lancet ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 339 (8805) ◽  
pp. 1364-1365 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.De Luca ◽  
A. Ascione ◽  
C. Vacca ◽  
A. Zarone
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
Care Workers

Prevention of percutaneous injuries with risk of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or other viral infections for health-care workers

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annika Parantainen ◽  
Minna Anthoni ◽  
America Valdes ◽  
Marie-Claude Lavoie ◽  
Ulla-Maija Hellgren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Care Workers

Epidemiology of needlestick injuries among health-care workers in Awassa City, Southern Ethiopia

2010 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 111-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moges Tadesse ◽  
Takele Tadesse
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Needlestick Injury ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Southern Ethiopia ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Needlestick Injuries ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Care Workers

Accidental needlestick injuries sustained by health-care workers are a common occupational hazard and a public health issue in health-care settings. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted and 30.9% of health-care workers had experienced at least one needlestick injury in the previous year.

scholarly journals 460. Point-of-Care, In-Home SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibody Testing to Assess Seroprevalence in At-Risk Health Care Workers

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S297-S297
Author(s):  
Eric G Meissner ◽  
Christine Litwin ◽  
Tricia Crocker ◽  
Elizabeth Mack ◽  
Lauren Card
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Documented Infection ◽  
Inconclusive Result ◽  
Care Workers

Abstract Background Health care workers are at significant risk for infection with the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Methods We utilized a point-of-care, lateral flow SARS-CoV-2 IgG immunoassay (RayBiotech) to conduct a seroprevalence study in a cohort of at-risk health care workers (n=339) and normal-risk controls (n=100) employed at an academic medical center. To minimize exposure risk while conducting the study, consents were performed electronically, tests were mailed and then self-administered at home using finger stick blood, and subjects uploaded a picture of the test result while answering an electronic questionnaire. We also validated the assay using de-identified serum samples from patients with PCR-proven SARS-CoV-2 infection. Results Between April 14th and May 6th 2020, 439 subjects were enrolled. Subjects were 68% female, 93% white, and most were physicians (38%) and nurses (27%). In addition, 37% had at least 1 respiratory symptom in the prior month, 34% had cared for a patient with known SARS-CoV-2 infection, 57% and 23% were worried about exposure at work or in the community, respectively, and 5 reported prior documented SARS-CoV-2 infection. On initial testing, 3 subjects had a positive IgG test, 336 had a negative test, and 87 had an inconclusive result. Of those with an inconclusive result who conducted a repeat test (85%), 96% had a negative result. All 3 positive IgG tests were in subjects reporting prior documented infection. Laboratory validation showed that of those with PCR-proven infection more than 13 days prior, 23/30 were IgG positive (76% sensitivity), whereas 1/26 with a negative prior PCR test were seropositive (95% specificity). Repeat longitudinal serologic testing every 30 days for up to 4 times is currently in progress. Conclusion We conducted a contact-free study in the setting of a pandemic to assess SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in an at-risk group of health care workers. The only subjects found to be IgG positive were those with prior documented infection, even though a substantial proportion of subjects reported significant potential occupational or community exposure and symptoms that were potentially compatible with SARS-COV-2 infection. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

scholarly journals Needle Stick And Sharp Related Injuries- Ethical Considerations, Prevention, And Management

2018 ◽  
Vol 08 (04) ◽  
pp. 278-280
Author(s):  
Faisal Hanif ◽  
Umar Khurshid ◽  
Haroon Sabir Khan ◽  
Muhammad Zill-e-Humayun Mirza
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Ethical Considerations ◽  
Needle Stick ◽  
Care Workers

Laboratory and Health care workers (HCW) are exposed to many occupational related hazards. Both are at considerable risk of acquiring infections. Needle stick/prick injuries (NSIs) can lead to blood borne infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C

scholarly journals Alcohol and other drug treatment experiences of hepatitis C-positive and negative clients: implications for hepatitis C treatment

2009 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Loren Brener ◽  
Carla J Treloar
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Drug Treatment ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Differential Treatment ◽  
Treatment Facility ◽  
Hcv Treatment ◽  
Treatment Uptake ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Treatment Facilities

To assess whether HCV-positive clients perceive that alcohol and other drug (AOD) staff discriminate against them, this study compared the treatment experiences of 120 HCV-positive clients with those of 120 HCV-negative clients attending the same AOD treatment facility. Despite the overall findings of favourable attitudes of HCV-positive clients toward their health care workers, these attitudes were less positive than those of their HCV-negative counterparts. Clients with HCV also rated their interpersonal treatment by their health care workers less favourably. These findings suggest that HCV-positive clients? attitudes towards their health care workers and their experiences of differential treatment by these health care workers might be a barrier to HCV treatment uptake in AOD treatment facilities.

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