The Uncared‐for Carers: A Cross‐Sectional Study of Hepatitis B Vaccination Uptake and Predictors Among Volunteer Healthcare Workers in Zambia
Kajila Sovi, Chisanga Mulenga, Ntazana N. Sinyangwe, Chisala D. MekiABSTRACT
Background and Aims
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) poses a major occupational risk to healthcare workers (HCWs), particularly in moderate‐to‐high‑prevalence settings such as Zambia. Despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine, coverage among HCWs remains suboptimal. Among HCWs, volunteer HCWs face unique challenges, including financial barriers, that increase their risk. However, they are often overlooked in research. The present study aimed to determine HBV vaccination uptake and its predictors among volunteer HCWs in Zambia.
Methods
This national cross‐sectional study utilized a self‐administered semi‐structured online questionnaire to collect data from volunteer HCWs from October 3 to November 26 2024. Using R version 4.6.0 and Stata version 17, descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed. A two‐sided p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
Among the 173 participants, 51 (29.5%) reported being vaccinated. Of the 51, 23 (45.1%) had received one dose, 4 (7.8%) two doses, and 24 (47.1%) at least three doses (fully vaccinated). In the multivariable Firth penalized logistic regression model, participants who had access to HBV vaccination programs during training were significantly more likely to be vaccinated than those without such programs ( p < 0.001). Availability of HBV testing services at the health facility was also independently associated with vaccination uptake ( p = 0.006). Increasing age was associated with slightly higher odds of vaccination ( p = 0.025). Gender and place of education were not independently associated with vaccination uptake after adjustment.
Conclusion
HBV vaccination coverage among volunteer HCWs in Zambia was low. Vaccination programs during training, age and the availability of HBV testing services were important factors associated with vaccine uptake. Strengthening institutional HBV prevention programs may improve vaccination coverage and reduce occupational risk among HCWs.