RESUMO
This study reports on the prevalence and risk factors of chronic HBV among health care workers (HCWs) in a rural secondary hospital in Sierra Leone. Additionally, data on the uptake of HBV vaccination among negatively tested HCWs and on the linkage to care among positively tested HCWs are presented. In December 2019, 781 HCWs were invited to a screening and vaccination campaign at Koidu Government Hospital in Kono District. For each HCW, demographic information and data on their HBV risk history were captured, followed by a hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test. HCWs with a negative test result were offered an HBV vaccine on the same day, after one and six months. HCWs that were HBsAg positive were linked to a free HBV clinic. In total, 80% (632) of HCWs were screened. Among the screened, 97% had never received an HBV vaccine and 10.3% (n = 65) had chronic HBV. The following characteristics were associated with being HBsAg positive: aged less than 30 years old (aOR 2.17, CI 1.16-4.03, p = 0.01), male gender (aOR 2.0, CI 1.06-3.78, p = 0.03), working experience of 1-4 years (aOR 3.99, CI 1.15-13.73, p = 0.03) and over 9 years (aOR 6.16, CI 1.41-26.9, p = 0.02). For HBsAg-negative HCWs (n = 567), 99.8% (n = 566), 97.5% (n = 553) and 82.7% (n = 469) received their first, second and third dose of the vaccine, respectively. For HBsAg-positive HCWs (n = 65), 73.9% (n = 48) were successfully linked to an HBV clinic for further care. Most HCWs are unvaccinated for HBV, and the HBV prevalence amongst this at-risk group is high. Uptake of vaccination and linkage to care was successful.
RESUMO
Helminth infections can be an important public health problem in most developing countries. Stool samples from 514 participants in Gbondapi village were examined to determine the prevalence and intensity of intestinal helminths using the Kato-Katz method. The efficacy of a single dose of 200mg and 400mg albendazole in adults and subjects below and above 2 years respectively was also assessed. Seventy-nine (15.4) of the 514 subjects were infected with at least one intestinal helminth. Data collected was analysed using Epi info statistical package. The most prevalent intestinal helminth was Hookworm (7.6) followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (5.3) and Strongyloides stercoralis (3.9). The least prevalent helminth was Schistosoma mansoni (1.6). The worm burden was generally light with mean egg counts ranging between 83 - 927eggs/gram of stool. Albendazole had an excellent safety record and found to be highly effective against Ascaris lumbricoides. In order to break the cycle of infection and re-infection in rural communities; programs embracing health education; mass treatment with albendazole; improved sanitation and the provision of protected water sources must be implemented
