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Prevalence, serological profiles, and determinants of hepatitis B infection among healthcare workers and beauty service professionals in Port Harcourt, Nigeria: a comparative study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Healthcare workers and beauty service professionals are occupationally exposed to hepatitis B virus (HBV), yet comparative evidence on infection prevalence and related determinants is limited in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. This study compared the prevalence and serological profiles of hepatitis B infection between both groups and identified overall and group-specific factors associated with infection. This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, between August 2024 and February 2025 among 440 participants, comprising 220 healthcare workers and 220 beauty service professionals, selected using multistage sampling. Data collection employed structured interviewer-administered questionnaires and serological analysis. Blood samples were screened for HBV serological markers using the OnSite HBV-5 Rapid Test, and HBsAg-positive samples were confirmed using the BioELISA HBsAg 3.0 kit. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square/Fisher’s exact tests, and logistic regression, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. The prevalence of HBV infection was higher among beauty service professionals than healthcare workers (16.8% vs. 3.2%, p < 0.0001), with the highest prevalence among nail technicians (33.3%). The HBsAg/HBeAg-positive infection pattern was the most common serological profile among healthcare workers (1.8%), whereas the HBsAg/HBeAb/HBcAb-positive infection pattern predominated among beauty service professionals (12.3%). In pooled multivariable analysis, five or more sharps-related injuries in the past year (aOR: 4.86, 95% CI: 2.34–10.20; p < 0.0001) and poor HBV preventive practice (aOR: 5.93, 95% CI: 1.78–25.50; p = 0.0082) were independently associated with infection. Among healthcare workers, multivariable analysis was not feasible because of sparse infection events; however, univariable associations were observed for inconsistent PPE use, frequent sharps-related injuries, lack of occupational safety training, multiple sexual partners, tattooing, poor knowledge, negative attitude, and poor preventive practice (all p < 0.05), while among beauty service professionals, nail technician status was independently associated with infection (aOR: 4.50, 95% CI: 1.90–11.10; p = 0.0008). Beauty service professionals had a substantially higher HBV infection burden than healthcare workers, with nail technicians predominantly affected. Frequent sharps-related injuries and poor HBV preventive practice were key predictors, highlighting the need for targeted screening, vaccination, occupational safety training, and infection-prevention interventions. Not applicable.

Source: BMC Infectious Diseases

DOI: 10.1186/s12879-026-14292-5

Authors: Moore Ikechi Mike-Ogburia, Favour Chigemezu Alozie, Ibinabo Laura Oboro, Omosivie Maduka

Institutions: University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State University

Language: English

Topic: Hepatitis B Virus Studies

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,090