Immunity to Hepatitis B Virus as a Fitness for Duty Program for Health Workers at the University Hospital in Thailand
Jongkumchok W, MD1, Chaiear N, MD, MMedSC, PhD1, Soonthornvinit W, MD1, Lerdruampattana S, BNS, MSN2
Affiliation : 1 Division of Occupational Medicine, Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand 2 Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Office, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Background : Health workers (HWs) are at high risk for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection; especially those with no immunity to
HBV. Notwithstanding, no prior Thai studies regarding HBV immunity as a fitness for duty program have been published.
Objective : This study aimed to describe the status of HBV immunity as related to an occupational health program for new health
workers.
Materials and Methods : This was a descriptive study in which 1,302 samples were collected from existing data recorded by the
Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Office between 2013 and 2016. Descriptive statistics were used to describe proportions.
Results : The immunity to HBV amongst persons with direct contact to blood-borne pathogens (BBPs) between 2013 and 2016
represented the majority who had immunity to HBV. The number with HBV immunity rose every year between 2013 and 2016
(50.0% to 84.7%) whereas those actually infected with HBV declined (4.3% to 0.6%). When assessing fitness for duty, 95.4% were
fit for duty with BBPs.
Conclusion : The trend of BBPs-sero-protected against hepatitis B virus among HWs is increasing. Occupational health programs
for health workers were used to ensure fitness for duty with BBPs, and specifically HBV.
Keywords : Hepatitis B, Health workers, Fitness for duty, Preplacement, Hospital
