Objective: Healthcare workers are at an elevated risk of exposure to vaccine-preventable diseases because of their close contact with patients. Understanding their immunity levels against diseases such as hepatitis A and B is crucial for implementing effective vaccination strategies. This study aimed to assess the immunity status of healthcare workers against certain vaccine-preventable diseases and to identify the factors influencing this immunity.
Methods: In a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis, we evaluated 865 healthcare workers from Prof. Dr. Cemil Taşcıoğlu City Hospital Institutional outpatient clinic in 2019. We collected data on antibody levels [anti-hepatitis A virus immunoglobulin G (anti-HAV IgG), anti-hepatitis B surface (anti-HBs), anti-Rubeola IgG, anti-Rubella IgG, anti-Mumps IgG] alongside demographic and professional information. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26, considering p<0.05 as significant.
Results: Among the participants, 64.74% (n=560) were female and 35.26% (n=305) were male. Hepatitis B surface antigen negativity was observed in 99.54% (n=861) of the cohort, with a 92.95% (n=804) positivity rate for anti-HBs. Positivity rates for anti-Rubella IgG, anti-Rubeola IgG, and anti-Mumps IgG exceeded 90%. Of the 249 vaccines administered to 192 workers, 61% were for hepatitis A. Significant differences in anti-HAV IgG levels were noted across educational levels and between genders (p=0.011 and p=0.015, respectively), with higher positivity in primary school graduates and males. Anti-HBs positivity was significantly higher in females than in males (p=0.033), and increased with educational attainment (p<0.001).
Conclusion: The study highlights a 56.76% immunity rate against hepatitis A among healthcare workers, underscoring the need for enhanced vaccination efforts, particularly for those in frequent contact with patients or patient fluids. These findings emphasize the importance of targeted vaccination programs within healthcare settings to protect workers from vaccine-preventable diseases, ultimately safeguarding both healthcare personnel and patients.