scholarly journals Unmet needs in occupational health: prevention and management of viral hepatitis in healthcare workers in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: a mixed-methods study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. e052668
Author(s):  
Tran Nguyen ◽  
Trang Pham ◽  
Hong K Tang ◽  
Loc Phan ◽  
Gary Mize ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Viral Hepatitis ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Ho Chi Minh City ◽  
Clinical Activity ◽  
Depth Interviews

ObjectivesVietnam is an endemic area for hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection (HBV-HCV), yet its largest city, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), has no comprehensive policy to educate, screen, treat and protect healthcare workers (HCWs) from viral hepatitis. We conducted a mixed-methods study to document HBV-HCV infection rates, risk factors, local barriers and opportunities for providing education, screening and medical care for HCWs.DesignThis mixed-methods study involved an HBV and HCV serological evaluation, knowledge, attitude and practice survey about viral hepatitis and many in-depth interviews. Descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis using inductive and deductive approaches were used.SettingHCMC, Vietnam.ParticipantsHCWs at risk of viral hepatitis exposure at three hospitals in HCMC.ResultsOf the 210 invited HCWs, 203 were enrolled. Of the 203 HCWs enrolled, 20 were hepatitis B surface antigen-positive, 1 was anti-hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV Ab)-positive, 57 were anti-hepatitis B core Ab-positive and 152 had adequate anti-hepatitis B surface Ab (anti-HBs Ab) titre (≥10IU/mL). Only 50% of the infected HCWs reported always using gloves during a clinical activity involving handling of blood or bodily fluid. Approximately 50% of HCWs were still not vaccinated against HBV following 1 year of employment. In-depth interviews revealed two major concerns for most interviewees: the need for financial support for HBV-HCV screening and treatment in HCWs and the need for specific HBV-HCV guidelines to be independently developed.ConclusionsThe high HBV infection rate in HCWs coupled with inadequate preventive occupational practices among the population in HCMC highlight the urgent needs to establish formal policy and rigorous education, screening, vaccination and treatment programmes to protect HCWs from HBV acquisition or to manage those living with chronic HBV in Vietnam.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence and Knowledge of Viral Hepatitis and HIV Among People Who Use Drugs Attending Methadone Therapy Clinic in Tanzania: A Cross-sectional Study.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Semvua Kilonzo ◽  
Daniel W. Gunda ◽  
David C. Majinge ◽  
Hyasinta Jaka ◽  
Paulina M. Manyiri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Hepatitis B Virus ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Viral Hepatitis ◽  
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen ◽  
People Who Use Drugs ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
B Virus

Abstract Background: Methadone therapy clinics have been recently introduced in Tanzania, aiming at reducing risk behaviors and infection rates of viral hepatitis and HIV among people who use drugs. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence, associated factors and knowledge level of these conditions among people who use drugs attending a methadone clinic in Tanzania.Methods: We enrolled 253 People who using drugs receiving Methadone therapy. Clinical data was retrospectively collected from the medical records and face-to face interviews were conducted to determine the behavioral risk factors and respondents’ knowledge on viral hepatitis and HIV.Results: An overall seroprevalence of viral hepatitis (either hepatitis B surface antigen or anti-hepatitis C virus) was 6.3%, while that of hepatitis B virus mono infection was 3.5% and anti-hepatitis C virus mono infection was 3.5%. Seroprevalence of HIV was 12.6%. Viral hepatitis was strongly predicted by advanced age (>35 years) (p=0.02) and staying at Kirumba area (p=0.004), and HIV infection was predicted by increased age (>37 years) (p=0.04) and female sex (p<0.001). Regarding the knowledge of viral hepatitis, majority of the respondents were unaware of the transmission methods and availability of hepatitis B virus vaccines and only 17% were classified as well informed (provided ≥ 4 correct answers out of 7 questions). Good knowledge was highly predicted by higher education level of the individual (p=0.001).Conclusions: Despite the efforts to curb viral hepatitis and HIV infections through Methadone clinics, infection rates among people who use drugs are still high and the general knowledge on preventive measures is inadequate.

scholarly journals Facing the Unknown: Healthcare Workers’ Concerns, Experiences, and Burnout during the COVID-19 Pandemic—A Mixed-Methods Study in an Israeli Hospital

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (16) ◽  
pp. 9021
Author(s):  
Keren Dopelt ◽  
Osnat Bashkin ◽  
Nadav Davidovitch ◽  
Noam Asna
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Depth Interviews

The aim of this study was to describe the experiences of healthcare workers during the first wave of the coronavirus crisis. In a mixed-methods study, data were collected through an online survey completed by 263 hospital staff members, as well as 10 semi-structured, in-depth interviews with physicians, nurses, and medical technologists working on coronavirus wards. Respondents expressed extremely high levels of concern for family members, but they were less apprehensive about their own health and safety. Nurses displayed more apprehension and burnout compared to healthcare workers in other professional roles. The in-depth interviews reinforced and supplemented the survey findings and deepened our understanding of the experience of healthcare workers directly involved in the first wave of coronavirus patient care. The findings of this study illuminate the main concerns of hospital staff during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and deepen our understanding of issues that require systemic attention in order to strengthen mental resilience among hospital staff. The steps required to continue fighting the virus include the development of a mental and emotional support network for healthcare workers to safeguard them and their health, as they care for patients, and to provide ongoing psychosocial support. As later waves of COVID-19 continued, these recommendations are even more pertinent.

scholarly journals Health-seeking behaviours in a malaria endemic district in Lao People’s Democratic Republic: a mixed methods study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. e055350
Author(s):  
Ken Ing Cherng Ong ◽  
Phonepadith Khattignavong ◽  
Sengdeuane Keomalaphet ◽  
Moritoshi Iwagami ◽  
Paul Brey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Insurance ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Lao Pdr ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Endemic District ◽  
Depth Interviews

ObjectivesThis mixed methods study was conducted to explore the barriers and facilitators for health-seeking behaviours in a malaria endemic district in Lao PDR.DesignA convergent mixed methods design.SettingTwo malaria endemic villages in Thapangthong district, Savannakhet Province, Lao PDR.ParticipantsVillagers and healthcare workers in the two villages in Thapangthong district.MethodsIn the quantitative part, a pretested questionnaire was used to identify the health-seeking behaviours of the villagers. In the qualitative part, focus group discussions were employed to explore health-seeking behaviours of the villagers and in-depth interviews were used to explore the perceptions of the healthcare workers. Descriptive statistics were computed and multiple logistic regressions were used to identify the factors associated with perceived severity and perceived susceptibility. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data. Quantitative and qualitative results were integrated in joint displays.ResultsIn the quantitative part, data were collected from 313 villagers from both villages. For malaria, 96.0% and 98.2% of villagers from villages A and B, respectively, would first seek treatment at public health facilities. Villagers who have not experienced malaria before were more likely to perceive that the consequences of malaria were serious compared with those who have experienced malaria before (adjusted OR=1.69, 95% CI: 1.03 to 2.75). However, qualitative data showed that villagers faced problems such as lack of medicines and medical equipment. Healthcare workers also mentioned the lack of manpower and equipment in the in-depth interviews. Nevertheless, villagers still preferred to seek treatment at the health center as the National Health Insurance was introduced.ConclusionsPublic health facility usage was high but barriers existed. Effective policy and enabling environment such as the introduction of the National Health Insurance could help accelerate the progress towards the malaria elimination goal. Moreover, the benefits could go beyond the context of malaria.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus infection, anti-HCV antibodies and HIV and knowledge among people who use drugs attending methadone therapy clinic in Tanzania; a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Semvua B. Kilonzo ◽  
Daniel W. Gunda ◽  
David C. Majinge ◽  
Hyasinta Jaka ◽  
Paulina M. Manyiri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Hepatitis B Virus ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Viral Hepatitis ◽  
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen ◽  
People Who Use Drugs ◽  
Behavioral Risk ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
B Virus

Abstract Background Methadone therapy clinics have been recently introduced in Tanzania, aiming at reducing risk behaviors and infection rates of viral hepatitis and HIV among people who use drugs. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence, associated factors and knowledge level of these conditions among people who use drugs attending a methadone clinic in Tanzania. Methods We enrolled 253 People who using drugs receiving Methadone therapy. Clinical data was retrospectively collected from the medical records and face-to face interviews were conducted to determine the behavioral risk factors and respondents’ knowledge on viral hepatitis and HIV. Results An overall seroprevalence of viral hepatitis (either hepatitis B surface antigen or anti-hepatitis C virus) was 6.3%, while that of hepatitis B virus mono infection was 3.5% and anti-hepatitis C antibodies was 3.5%. Seroprevalence of HIV was 12.6%. Viral hepatitis was strongly predicted by advanced age (> 35 years) (p = 0.02) and staying at Kirumba area (p = 0.004), and HIV infection was predicted by increased age (> 37 years) (p = 0.04) and female sex (p < 0.001). Regarding the knowledge of viral hepatitis, majority of the respondents were unaware of the transmission methods and availability of hepatitis B virus vaccines and only 17% were classified as well informed (provided ≥4 correct answers out of 7 questions). Good knowledge was highly predicted by higher education level of the individual (p = 0.001). Conclusions Despite the efforts to curb viral hepatitis and HIV infections through Methadone clinics, infection rates among people who use drugs are still high and the general knowledge on preventive measures is inadequate.

scholarly journals Factors Affecting HBV Vaccination in a Medical Training College in Kenya: A Mixed Methods Study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Maina ◽  
Leah Bii
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Medical Training ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Hbv Vaccine ◽  
Vaccination Recommendations ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is highly endemic in Sub-Saharan Africa with 70 to 90% of the population becoming infected before the age of 40 years. Healthcare workers (HCWs) including healthcare students (HCSs) are at an increased risk of contracting HBV due to occupational exposure. HCS are especially at a high risk because of their inexperience with infection control procedures and insufficient knowledge about the level of risk when dealing with patients. Despite the availability of an effective vaccine, and its recommendation by Kenya’s Ministry of Health, few HCW and students are vaccinated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of awareness, attitude, practices, and access factors on hepatitis B vaccination uptake by HCS at Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC). Methods: This was a concurrent mixed methods study. For the qualitative arm, a structured questionnaire was used to assess the awareness, knowledge, attitudes and practices towards HBV disease and vaccination. Accessibility of the HBV vaccine in the participating campuses was also assessed. Two FGDs were carried out: one comprised of members of the participating campuses while the second comprised members of staff. Quantitative data was analysed using STATA (version 15) while NVIVO (version 11) was used for qualitative data. Results: Out of 634 students invited to participate in the study, 487 participated (response rate 76.81%). HBV vaccine uptake rate was 76.18% while the non-vaccination rate was 19.10%. Full vaccination was reported by only 21.78% of respondents. The major reason for not receiving the recommended doses was that the vaccine was not available when the students went for it. The qualitative study revealed challenges in the implementation of the vaccination program at KMTC. Conclusions: A clear policy on mandatory vaccination of students and staff is required. In addition, the HBV vaccine should be readily available, affordable and accessible at all times. Regular review of the curricula in medical colleges to include current vaccination recommendations could aid in improving the vaccination status of healthcare workers in particular and the larger community in general.

scholarly journals Seropositivity of HBV & HCV among the Family Members of Chronic Viral Hepatitis Patients

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abu Bakar Siddique ◽  
Mohammad Nezam Uddin ◽  
Kajal Kanti Das ◽  
Rajat Sanker Roy Biswas
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Viral Hepatitis ◽  
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Chronic Viral Hepatitis ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Global Public Health

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are the global public health challenge. Family members of the HBV and HCV infected patients have a higher risk of exposure to many blood-borne diseases including Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C viral infections as well. So the objectives of the present study was to evaluate seropositivity of HBV and HCV among family members of . chronic viral hepatitis patients. Methods: This study was conducted 80 family members of 50 patients with chronic HBV and HCV infection. After ethical clearance and written consent, 1st degree family members of those chronically infected hepatitis patients were explained about the objectives of the study and a standard questionnaire were introduced and recorded. Venous blood samples was taken from every participant with universal precautions and was tested by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for Hepatitis B surface antigen, anti HCV. Data analysis was done later by SPSS. Results: Eighty family members of 50 HBV and HCV positive cases where screened where HBV infection(45;90%) was more then HCV infection(5;90%). Male were 45(56.3%) and female were 35 (43.8%) male to male ratio 1.28:1. Total 23 (28.8%) subjects were vaccinated against HBV. One subject had history of blood transfusion and dental procedure each, extramarital sex activity was found in 2 (2.5%), and sleeping in the same room was found in 31(38.6%) subjects. History analysis revealed, 3(3.8%) were positive for HBV, 29 (36.3%) were found negative and 48(60%) were unaware of their status; again 77 (96.3%) are unaware of their anti HCV status. HBsAg and Anti HCV screening status of the relatives revealed HBsAg and anti HCV was found positive in 4 (5%) and 1 (1.3%) cases respectively. .Conclusion: Relatives of the HBV and HCV infected patients are also at risk. So they should take proper preventive measures and should be vaccinated.

The prevalence of hepatitis B and C co-infections among people with HIV-1 in Bulgaria: 2010–2015

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (12) ◽  
pp. 791-798
Author(s):  
Ivailo Alexiev ◽  
Elitsa Golkocheva-Markova ◽  
Asya Kostadinova ◽  
Reneta Dimitrova ◽  
Lora Nikolova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen ◽  
Hcv Rna ◽  
B Virus ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Multiple Risk Behavior ◽  
Hiv 1 ◽  
Hiv Aids

Aim: To evaluate hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) among individuals with HIV/AIDS in Bulgaria diagnosed between 2010 and 2015. Materials & methods: A total of 1158 individuals were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS during the study period. Different transmission groups were tested with ELISA and real-time PCR for HBV and HCV markers. Results: Hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis C virus antiboby were found in 9.3 and 23.2% of the tested. HBV DNA and HCV RNA has been found in 47.4 and 69.6%. Hepatitis B and C co-infections were predominant in multiple risk behavior groups, including people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men, prisoners and Roma individuals. Conclusion: HIV prevalence in Bulgaria is low but the rates of hepatitis B and C co-infections among these patients fall within the upper range reported in Europe.

scholarly journals Occupational Sharp Injury and Splash Exposure among Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Hospital

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roshan Mathew ◽  
Ritin Mohindra ◽  
Ankit Sahu ◽  
Rachana Bhat ◽  
Akshaya Ramaswami ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen ◽  
Tertiary Hospital ◽  
Needle Stick Injury ◽  
Medical Procedures ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
History Of ◽  
Hepatitis C Virus Antibody

Abstract Background Occupational hazards like sharp injury and splash exposure (SISE) are frequently encountered in health-care settings. The adoption of standard precautions by healthcare workers (HCWs) has led to significant reduction in the incidence of such injuries, still SISE continues to pose a serious threat to certain groups of HCWs. Materials and Methods This was a retrospective study which examined the available records of all patients from January 2015 to August 2019 who self-reported to our emergency department with history of sharp injury and/or splash exposure. Details of the patients, mechanism of injury, the circumstances leading to the injury, status of the source (hepatitis B surface antigen, human immunodeficiency virus, and hepatitis C virus antibody status), and the postexposure prophylaxis given were recorded and analyzed. Data were represented in frequency and percentages. Results During the defined period, a total of 834 HCWs reported with SISE, out of which 44.6% were doctors. Majority of the patients have SISE while performing medical procedures on patients (49.5%), while 19.2% were exposed during segregation of waste. The frequency of needle stick injury during cannulation, sampling, and recapping of needle were higher in emergency department than in wards. More than 80% of HCWs received hepatitis B vaccine and immunoglobulin postexposure. Conclusion There is need for periodical briefings on practices of sharp handling as well as re-emphasizing the use of personal protective equipment while performing procedures.

scholarly journals Changing Trends in Viral Hepatitis-Associated Hospitalizations in the American Indian/Alaska Native Population, 1995–2007

2011 ◽  
Vol 126 (6) ◽  
pp. 816-825 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathy K. Byrd ◽  
John T. Redd ◽  
Robert C. Holman ◽  
Dana L. Haberling ◽  
James E. Cheek
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
American Indian ◽  
Viral Hepatitis ◽  
Alaska Native ◽  
Hepatitis A ◽  
Hospitalization Rate ◽  
Time Periods ◽  
Significant Change

Objective. We described the changing epidemiology of viral hepatitis among the American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) population that uses Indian Health Service (IHS) health care. Methods. We used hospital discharge data from the IHS National Patient Information Reporting System to determine rates of hepatitis A-, B-, and C-associated hospitalization among AI/ANs using IHS health care from 1995–2007 and summary periods 1995–1997 and 2005–2007. Results. Hepatitis A-associated hospitalization rates among AI/AN people decreased from 4.9 per 100,000 population during 1995–1997 to 0.8 per 100,000 population during 2005–2007 (risk ratio [RR] = 0.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.1, 0.2). While there was no significant change in the overall hepatitis B-associated hospitalization rate between time periods, the average annual rate in people aged 45–64 years increased by 109% (RR=2.1, 95% CI 1.4, 3.2). Between the two time periods, the hepatitis C-associated hospitalization rate rose from 13.0 to 55.0 per 100,000 population (RR=4.2, 95% CI 3.8, 4.7), an increase of 323%. The hepatitis C-associated hospitalization rate was highest among people aged 45–64 years, males, and those in the Alaska region. Conclusions. Hepatitis A has decreased to near-eradication levels among the AI/AN population using IHS health care. Hepatitis C-associated hospitalizations increased significantly; however, there was no significant change in hepatitis B-associated hospitalizations. Emphasis should be placed on continued universal childhood and adolescent hepatitis B vaccination and improved vaccination of high-risk adults. Prevention and education efforts should focus on decreasing hepatitis C risk behaviors and identifying people with hepatitis C infection so they may be referred for treatment.

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