Hepatitis B Virus Infection and the Ghanaian Healthcare Worker: Risk, Standardisation, and Disease Prevention

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection is a global public health problem. Healthcare workers, especially those working in highly endemic regions of the world, have a higher risk of occupationally acquiring the disease through continuous exposure to the blood and other bodily fluids of patients. This book chapter examines current evidence on HBV infection risk, burden, and prevention practices among healthcare workers in Ghana. The chapter explores data issues, the level of HBV disease surveillance, and the standardisation and utilisation of data for public health action. The chapter compares current practices regarding pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis for HBV infection with recommended prevention practices outlined by the World Health Organization and other health organisations. The level of establishment of systems, structures, and programs at the health facility or hospital level to protect healthcare workers from HBV infection is analysed. Gaps in individual-level as well as health facility-level practices regarding the prevention of HBV infection among healthcare workers are also highlighted, and recommendations are outlined to guide practice.