Hepatitis-B Vaccination Status among Dental Surgeons in Benin-City, Nigeria

HATTON COMPETITION (SENIOR CATEGORY: CLINICAL) Objective: To determine the Hepatitis-B vaccination status among dental surgeons in Benin City. Methods: This questionnaire-based cross-sectional study of dental surgeons in Benin City was conducted in May, 2011. The questionnaire elicited information on demography, occupational risk rating contracting hepatitis-B infection, Hepatitis-B vaccination status and barriers to uptake and suggested ways to improve hepatitis-B vaccination rates among dental surgeons. Results: Participation rate in the study was 93.3%. More than half 36 (51.4%) of the respondents were in the 20-30 years age group and 52 (74.3%) were males. The occupational risk of contracting hepatitis-B infection among dental professionals was rated as either high or very high by 51 (72.9%) of the respondents. Amongst the respondents, 14 (20.0%) had received three doses of the hepatitis-B vaccine, 34 (48.6%) either two doses or single dose and 22 (31.4%) were not vaccinated. The major barriers reported among the unvaccinated respondents were lack of opportunity and fear of side effects. The suggested ways to increase the vaccination rate among the respondents in descending order include: making the vaccine available at no cost 36 (51.4%), educating dentist on the merits of vaccination 12 (17.1%), using it as evidence of vaccination as a requirement for annual practicing license renewal 10 (14.3%), and employing dentist 8 (11.4%) and reminder to complete doses & availability in more centers 2 (2.9%). Conclusion: This study revealed low prevalence of complete hepatitis-B vaccination among the respondents. Improvement in uptake as reported among the respondents will serve as a template in developing success oriented strategies among stakeholders.