Objective: Viral hepatitis B (HBV) represents a serious public health issue worldwide, and particularly in Burkina Faso. The virus existence, the virus transmission modes, the disease complications and existence efficient means of prevention are quite unknown in general population; this fact contributes to its spreading. Thus, our work consisted in assessing knowledge, immunization coverage and the prevalence of the HBV among workers, from both the public and private sector in the City of Ouagadougou, in order to improve sensitization strategies.
Patients and methods: It was a cross-cutting study on a sample of civil workers who undergo regular medical check-up. Data have been collected through an auto-administered questionnaire, followed by blood samplings which have been tested in laboratory for immunization and infection HBV.
Results: A total number of 300 voluntary workers have been screened. The majority was made of men (76.7%) and the average age was 32 ± 8.32 years. The HBV was known by 87% of workers through media (51.7%) as major source of information. Knowledge on the modes of transmission, complications and immunization were insufficient. The study revealed very low vaccination coverage (10%), mainly due to the lack of information (84.1%). A previous screening was performed and in (24%) of cases, the systematic check-up (11.7%) was the main circumstance of the detection of the infection, followed by blood donation. HBsAg and the anti-HBs antibody carrying prevalence rate was 10.7% and 15.7%, respectively. Neither the accidental or professional risk factors, nor the nosocomial risk factors seemed to influence the prevalence of HBsAg in this study.
Conclusion: The results of this study will enable to reinforce information, sensitization, and screening and mass immunization campaign strategies against HBV by improving conditions to have access to these.
