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Abstract

Aim: This study aimed at compiling all hepatitis B results for prospective employees screened at the Cape Coast Metropolitan Hospital. This information is relevant in identifying those who are already infected, as well as susceptible individuals, to promote the establishment of prevention and control measures within work environments. Method: This study extracted data from laboratory records into Microsoft Excel and used for the analysis. Results: In this report, 13.3% (4/30) of prospective employees were found to be sero-positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The remaining were sero-negative (susceptible), and required vaccination. All of the four (4) found to be sero-positive were chronically infected [both hepatitis B envelope antibody (HBeAb) and core antibody (HBcAb)-positive], that is, capable of transmitting to susceptible individuals if the proper infection prevention practices are not well implemented in their homes and work places. Only males were found to be positive, while all females were negative. Conclusion: Continuous education, screening, management of infected individuals and vaccination of the susceptible, will go a long way to curbing the spread of hepatitis B infection. Contribution/Originality: This study contributes to existing information, and draws attention to occupational support in the management of hepatitis B infection. 1. INTRODUCTION Viral hepatitis infection is an international public health problem, which requires high priority strategies for prevention and control [1, 2]. Estimated worldwide carriers of hepatitis B virus is 257-350 million [3, 4] with an estimated 50 million chronic carriers of HBV in Africa. In sub-Saharan Africa, carrier rates range from 9% to 20% [5-8]. Hepatitis B virus is endemic in Ghana with sero-prevalence rates ranging from 6.7% to 10% in blood donors [9, 10] 6.4% in pregnant women [11] and 15.6% in children among the general population. In jaundiced patients the rate is 54.1% [12]. These statistics are of significant public health importance to Ghana [13, 14] eliciting nationwide advocacy and control strategies involving strict blood donor screening and prevention of mother to child screening at all antenatal care sites.