{
  "abstract": "Objectives To assess the prevalence of occupational exposure to hepatitis B and C, examine exposure reporting patterns and identify associated factors among healthcare workers (HCWs) in a military hospital in Ghana.Design Analytical cross-sectional study.Setting A 500-bed tertiary military healthcare facility in Accra, Ghana.Participants A total of 369 HCWs were selected using stratified random sampling and completed a structured questionnaire. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 369 respondents. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using STATA V.17. Proportions, ORs and corresponding 95% CIs were calculated, with a significance level set at 0.05.Outcome measures Primary outcomes were the prevalence of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens (hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV)) and the rate of reporting these exposures.Results In the 12 months prior to the study, 20.1% of HCWs reported exposure to HBV or HCV. Exposures were more common during weekdays (60.8%) and afternoon shifts (47.3%). Only 37.8% of exposure incidents were reported. Male HCWs were more likely to report exposures than females (OR 82.5, 95% CI 2.5 to 273). Diploma holders were less likely to report compared with degree holders (OR 0, 95% CI 0 to 0.3).Conclusions The study demonstrates that HCWs in the military health facility face a significant risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens, yet under-reporting remains high. Strengthened training, clear reporting systems and supportive workplace policies are urgently needed to address these gaps and safeguard both staff and patient safety.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives, Accra, Ghana"
      ],
      "name": "Berlinda Narh Lasidji"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana"
      ],
      "name": "Vivian Efua Senoo-Dogbey"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Biostatistics, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana"
      ],
      "name": "Isaac Kojo Appiah"
    }
  ],
  "title": "Analysis of factors associated with hepatitis B and C exposure and reporting patterns among healthcare workers in a tertiary care facility: a cross-sectional study",
  "uid": "21bfb7bf-d91a-5df4-b3cf-7f71d812fac3"
}