Sero-prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection among the municipal waste collectors in Aden, Yemen.

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection among municipal waste collectors (MWCs) and to identify associated risk factors in Aden, Yemen.

METHODS

An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 MWCs. Blood samples were collected and tested for HBsAg using the Cobas technique.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of HBV infection was 5.0%, with a higher clustering of 40% observed in the Khormaksar district. A significant association was found between HBV infection and biomedical waste exposure (OR: 20.44, 95% CI: 2.44-171.5; p = 0.019). MWCs in the age group 25-35 years had three times or more risk of HBV infection (OR: 3.8, 95% CI: 0.598-23.88; p = 0.158). Significant risk was also noted among those whose duration of work was >20 years and 10-20 years (OR: 2.09 and 2.3, 95% CI: 0.328-13.27 and 0.359-14.106; p = 0.367 and 0.332), respectively. Exposure to catheterization and needle-stick injuries was significantly associated with HBV positivity (OR: 15.2 and 91; 95% CI: 20.195-117.85 and UD; p = 0.02 and 0.0001), respectively. Clinically, HBV infection was also significantly associated with fever (p = 0.0001), vomiting (p = 0.0001), nausea (p = 0.001), loss of appetite (p = 0.0001), abdominal pain (p = 0.001), and jaundice (p = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of HBV infection in this study was relatively lower than most global findings. MWCs exposed to biomedical waste had the highest HBV positivity rates. Needle-stick injuries and catheterization may significantly increase the risk of infection. Mandatory screening and vaccination for HBV should be implemented for all municipal waste collectors to reduce the risk of infection.