Seroprevalence and prevention of hepatitis B, measles and rubella among healthcare workers in Dili, Timor-Leste

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
File version

Version of Record (VoR)

Author(s)
Gusmao, C
Tanesi, MY
Gomes, N
Sheridan, SL
Sarmento, N
Oakley, T
David, M
Wapling, J
Alves, L
Amaral, S
Draper, ADK
Cruz, B
Coelho, D
Guterres, H
Fancourt, NSS
et al.
Griffith University Author(s)
Primary Supervisor
Other Supervisors
Editor(s)
Date
2023
Size
File type(s)
Location
Abstract

Introduction: The World Health Organisation recommends that healthcare workers (HCWs) are immune to measles and rubella, and those at risk of exposure are offered the hepatitis B vaccine. No formal programme for occupational assessment and provision of vaccinations to HCWs currently exists in Timor-Leste. Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B, measles and rubella among HCWs in Dili, Timor-Leste. All patient-facing employees at three healthcare institutions during April–June 2021 were invited to participate. Epidemiological data were collected by interview-questionnaire and a serum sample was collected by phlebotomy and analysed at the National Health Laboratory. Participants were contacted to discuss their results. Relevant vaccines were offered to seronegative individuals and those with active hepatitis B infection were referred for further assessment and management in a hepatology clinic as per national guidelines. Results: Three-hundred-and-twenty-four HCWs were included (representing 51.3% of all eligible HCWs working at the three participating institutions). Sixteen (4.9%; 95% CI: 2.8–7.9%) had active hepatitis B infection, 121 (37.3%; 95% CI: 32.1–42.9%) had evidence of previous (cleared) hepatitis B infection, 134 (41.4%; 95% CI: 35.9–46.9%) were hepatitis B seronegative, and 53 (16.4%; 95% CI: 12.5–20.8%) had been vaccinated. Two-hundred-and-sixty-seven (82.4%; 95% CI: 77.8–86.4%) and 306 (94.4%; 95% CI: 91.4–96.7%) individuals exhibited antibodies to measles and rubella, respectively. Interpretation: There are significant immunity gaps and a high prevalence of hepatitis B infection among HCWs in Dili Municipality, Timor-Leste. Routine occupational assessment and targeted vaccination of this group would be beneficial and should include all types of HCWs. This study provided an opportunity to develop a programme for the occupational assessment and vaccination of HCWs and forms the template for a national guideline. Funding: This work was supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australian Government [Complex Grant Agreement Number 75889].

Journal Title

The Lancet Regional Health - Southeast Asia

Conference Title
Book Title
Edition
Volume

13

Issue
Thesis Type
Degree Program
School
Publisher link
Patent number
Funder(s)
Grant identifier(s)
Rights Statement
Rights Statement

© 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Item Access Status
Note
Access the data
Related item(s)
Subject

Medical virology

Health and community services

Healthcare worker

Hepatitis B

Measles

Occupational health

Rubella

Persistent link to this record
Citation

Gusmao, C; Tanesi, MY; Gomes, N; Sheridan, SL; Sarmento, N; Oakley, T; David, M; Wapling, J; Alves, L; Amaral, S; Draper, ADK; Cruz, B; Coelho, D; Guterres, H; Fancourt, NSS; et al., Seroprevalence and prevention of hepatitis B, measles and rubella among healthcare workers in Dili, Timor-Leste, The Lancet Regional Health - Southeast Asia, 2023, 13, pp. 100133

Collections