Uptake of Hepatitis B Vaccination among Female Sex Workers in Kampala, Uganda

Abstract

<title>Abstract</title> 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 vaccine and associated factors among FSWs in Uganda. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with the uptake of hepatitis B vaccination among FSWs in Kampala, Uganda. Methods A cross-sectional study design among 400 female sex workers enrolled using multistage sampling techniques was conducted. Data were collected using a digitized semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 22. Descriptive statistics such as means and standard deviations were used to present continuous data while frequency and portions were used to present categorical data. A “modified” Poisson regression analysis was conducted to establish the relationship between predictor variables and uptake of hepatitis B vaccination. Results A total of 400 respondents (98.5% response rate) were interviewed. Close to half, 49.8% (199/400) of the respondents had ever heard about hepatitis B, and 16.5% had received at least a hepatitis B vaccine dose. The individual factors associated were spending more than 4 years in sex work (APR: 1.06, 95%CI: 1.01–1.12, p = 0.010), being screened for hepatitis B (APR: 1.49, 95%CI: 1.38–1.61, p &lt; 0.001), and those whose job (sex work) allowed them to get time to seek HBV services, (APR: 1.13, 95%CI: 1.04–1.22, p = 0.002). The health system were having hepatitis B outreaches in the place of residence (APR: 1.17, 95%CI: 1.03–1.33, p = 0.010) and ever receiving information related to hepatitis B from peers (APR: 1.07, 95%CI: 1.05–1.31, p = 0.004). Conclusion The study revealed a low hepatitis B vaccination uptake among FSWs, with less than a tenth having completed the recommended three vaccine doses. These results suggest the need for targeted health initiatives that leverage peer-driven system and enhance outreach programs to improve hepatitis B vaccine uptake and overall health outcomes within this population.