Hepatitis B Virus among Dental Clinic Workers and the Risk Factors Contributing for its Infection

Objectives: Dental clinic workers (DCWs) in Yemen have an additional risk of getting infected with HBV from their workplace and till now they are not routinely vaccinated against HBV infection. This study aimed to estimate prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection and associated risk factors among DCW in selected dental clinics in Sana’a city. Study design: Data were acquired from a cross sectional survey conducted among DCWs in 2014 at the Faculty of Dentistry, Sana’a University, in Sana’a city. A proportionate to size random sample was drawn per DCW category. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data about socio-demographic characteristics and risk factors. ELISA was used to test sera for HBV markers. Result: The study included 246 dentists and 263 dental assistants, the sero-prevalence of current hepatitis B virus infection was 6.1%; while prevalence of life time exposure to hepatitis B virus infection was 18%. Prevalence of needle stick injuries, exposure to skin and to mucous membranes were 45.6%, 26.5% and 25.3% respectively. Cuts were also common with 41.1% of participants reporting a cut in a period of one year preceding the survey. Regular use of gloves, face mask, and glasses were reported by 74.4%, 28.3% and 25.3% of participants respectively. Only 30.1% of respondents were vaccinated against hepatitis B virus infection and 52.1% were susceptible and could potentially be protected through vaccination. Longer duration in service was associated with risk of infection (OR ranged from 2.2-2.65; P value = 0.002). Being assistant (OR = 1.97; P value = 0.001) was associated with a higher risk of hepatitis B virus infection. Conclusion: The prevalence of current and life time exposure to HBV infection was high. Exposure to potentially infectious body fluids was high and yet only a small percentage of DCW were vaccinated, so there is need to vaccinate all DCWs as a matter of policy and ensure a safer work environment.