A SURVEY OF HEPATITIS-B AMONG HEALTH-WORKERS IN JAMAICA

One thousand, five hundred and thirty-seven health staff, presenting f or hepatitis B vaccination in Jamaica, were surveyed in 1990/91 for he patitis B markers and/or exposure to blood or hepatitis. Antibodies to either hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) or hepatitis B core (HBc) were found in 19.8% of 817 persons tested. Males were more likely to h ave antibodies to Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) than females (29% compared w ith 18%, Odds Ratio 1.6; 95% CI 0.98 - 2.9). HBsAg was found in 5.3% o f 562 persons tested compared with 1% of blood donors. One or more nee dlestick accidents were reported by 60% of the sample, and blood or li quor splashing on the face was reported by 48%. Jaundice and hepatitis were reported by 1.2% and 3.5% of health staff, respectively. HBsAg c arrier status was associated wi th years of service (p = 0.039). Preva lence of antibodies to HBV increased with age (p = 0.004) and years of service (p = 0.028). The effect of age and years of service appears t o be largely independent (r = 0.44). This survey reaffirms the importa nce of health workers being immunized with hepatitis B vaccine, and ad hering rigorously to universal precautions in patient care and laborat ory practice.