Hepatitis B sero-prevalence in Turgut Özal Medical center operating room and laboratory staff in 2017 and affecting factors

Aim: Hepatit B vires (HBV) is an important health problem that threatens human health. Healthcare workers are at higher risk of being infected with HBV, which is transmitted by blood and blood products, compared to the general population. In this study, we aimed to investigate the HBV sero-prevalence (HBsAg and Anti-HBs) and the influencing factors in Malatya İnönü University Turgut Özal Medical Center (TÖTM) operating room and laboratory staff. Material and Method: In 2017, the HBsAg and Anti-HBs results of 180 healthcare workers working in the operating room and laboratory at the TÖTM. The information form (gender, educational status, marital status, occupation, place of work, place of birth, period of employment, HBV seropositivity in the family, blood transfusion) was applied to the employees by face-to-face interview. Statistical data were evaluated using the SPSS 18 program. Results: 180 health personnel were evaluated. Of these, 81 (45%) were men and 99 (55%) were women. The mean age was 34.5±7.8 years in men and 35.3±6.5 in women. 71(39.7%) nurses, 57(31.8%) anesthesia technicians, 35(19.6%) and 16(8.9%) administrative staff. Since only 3 employees were HBsAg positive, the statistical relationship between the variables of the employees and the Anti-HBs positivity (Immunity) was evaluated. There was only a statistically significant (P = 0.048) relationship between the Anti-HBs positivity (n = 152, 85.4%) and the workingplace. Conclusion: Anti-HBs positivity rate in the workers was 85.4%. There was a statistically significant relationship between HBsAg positivity and the place of work. This was due to the higher immunity rate in laboratory workers. Health personnel at risk for HBV should be screened for this virus and those who are not immune to HBV should be vaccinated. Key Words: Immunity, HBV, Healthcare workers