Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus among the solid waste worker in Sana’a governorate- Yemen

Abstract

Background:

The workers involved in the management of solid waste (SW) are considered at risk for hepatitis virus (HBV) transmission and subsequent infection due to the nature of their work. The dissemination of hepatitis B virus among these workers occurs through their daily contact with waste in areas known to have a considerable number of HBV-infected individuals. Such places include regions where the habit of informal waste picking is undertaken, areas that handle the collection and disposal of medical waste, and quarantine areas. However, the indicators of the potential of HBV among solid waste workers employed in SW institutions in these regions are not well documented. Yemen is ranked as one of the countries with HBV infection as a highly significant public health issue and has a sustained high prevalence. Even studies conducted at various healthcare, educational, and societal levels do not consistently report data on the HBV situation.

Objectives:

This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of HBV among solid waste workers in Sana’a Governorate, Yemen.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 99 solid waste workers who worked in Sana’a between January and May 2021. The volunteers were recruited using convenience sampling. A set of questionnaires was administered through face-to-face interviews. Blood samples from each worker were tested for hepatitis B surface antigens using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Result: A total of 99 participant of solid waste worker in Sana’a government were contacted in the study, there were 5 participants are positive for HBsAg.  All participants who tested positive for hepatitis B virus were in the age group of 21-30 years.

Conclusion: This study highlights that the prevalence of hepatitis B virus among solid waste workers in Sana'a was higher than the global prevalence reported by the World Health Organization, placing our findings within a broader epidemiological context.