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. 2024 Dec 5;24(1):3380.
doi: 10.1186/s12889-024-20917-8.

Uptake of the hepatitis B vaccine among brothel-based female sex workers in Kampala, Uganda

Joana Nakiggala  1   2 , Mathias Lwenge  3 , Doreen Nakalembe  1   2 , Bridget Nagawa Tamale  4   5 , Aisha Nalugya  1   2 , Jovan Galiwango  1   2 , Junior Mike Wejuli  1 , Kenneth Tebandeke  6 , John Bosco Isunju  1   2 , Richard K Mugambe  1   2 , Tonny Ssekamatte  1   2
Affiliations

Uptake of the hepatitis B vaccine among brothel-based female sex workers in Kampala, Uganda

Joana Nakiggala et al. BMC Public Health. .

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B is a significant health problem worldwide, particularly among high-risk groups such as female sex workers (FSWs). In Uganda, it is highly recommended that FSWs receive the hepatitis B vaccine. However, there is limited evidence of the level of uptake of the hepatitis B vaccine and associated factors among FSWs in Uganda. This study aimed to assess hepatitis B vaccine uptake and associated factors among FSWs in Kampala district, Uganda.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from 400 FSWs in Kampala, Uganda. We utilized a researcher-developed digitized semi-structured questionnaire and employed multistage sampling to enroll participants. Data analysis was performed using STATA version 14.0. Continuous data were expressed as mean and standard deviation whereas categorical data were reported as frequencies and proportions. We employed Modified Poisson regression analysis to assess the relationship between predictor variables and the uptake of the hepatitis B vaccine.

Results: A total of 400 respondents (98.5% response rate) were surveyed. Close to half, 49.8% of the respondents had ever heard about hepatitis B, and only 16.5% had received at least a hepatitis B vaccine dose. Individual factors significantly associated with hepatitis B vaccine uptake included spending more than four years in sex work (APR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01-1.12), previous screening for hepatitis B (APR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.38-1.61), and having work conditions that allowed time to seek HBV services (APR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.04-1.22). Health system factors significantly associated with vaccine uptake included the presence of hepatitis B outreach programs in residential areas (APR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.03-1.33) and receiving information about hepatitis B from peers (APR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.05-1.31).

Conclusion: The study revealed a low prevalence of hepatitis B vaccine uptake among FSWs, with less than a tenth completing the three-dose schedule. Therefore, enhancing screening programs, expanding outreach initiatives, and tailoring services to accommodate nontraditional work hours while leveraging peer networks can significantly improve vaccine uptake and reduce hepatitis B transmission in this high-risk population.

Keywords: Female sex workers; Hepatitis B; Kampala; Uganda; Vaccine.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: Ethics clearance was obtained from the AIDS Support Organization (TASO) Research ethics committee was obtained. These were presented to Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) from which written permission to engage the local leadership was obtained. All respondents signed an informed consent form to demonstrate their willingness to participate in the study but continuing with the interview was left to their discretion. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
A conceptual framework of the factors associated with Hepatitis B vaccination (Based on the Andersen model and HBM)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Knowledge of hepatitis B transmission of hepatitis B among female sex workers in Kampala, Uganda
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Reasons for not receiving the hepatitis B vaccination among female sex workers in Kampala, Uganda
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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