TITLE:
Prevalence of Viral Hepatitis B in the Workplace in Gabon: Case of a Mining Company
AUTHORS:
Laurent I. Makosso, Hervé M. Ekomy, Patrice Landimi, Franck L. Nguema, Gilvirh Bigouagou, Annie-P. A. Mvighe, Alain Boulende
KEYWORDS:
Viral Hepatitis B, Virus, Prevalence, Workplace
JOURNAL NAME:
Occupational Diseases and Environmental Medicine,
Vol.14 No.3,
June
3,
2026
ABSTRACT: Context and Objectives: Globally, and in sub-Saharan Africa in particular, viral hepatitis infection is a major public health problem due to its prevalence and its impact on workplace productivity. The study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B and the factors associated with the infection among workers at a mining company in Gabon. Methods: Our study was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study, conducted by the occupational health department of a mining company between 1st October and 31st December 2023. The records of the mining company’s permanent employees were included. Socioprofessional and biological data on the mining company’s employees were collected. Sampling was non-random. Statistical analysis was performed using R software. Logistic regression was used to identify associated factors (p Results: We included 1504 participants. The sample was predominantly male (87.9%). The seroprevalence of hepatitis B infection was 12.4%. The mean age was 41.26 years, with a range of 27 to 60 years. The risk factors associated with hepatitis B infection were gender (OR = 5.71 [2.55 - 16.3], p = 0.001) and marital status (OR = 1.46 [1.01 - 2.06], p = 0.038). Conclusion: This study reveals a significant prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection (12.4%) and the socio-demographic factors associated with it. It highlights the need to raise awareness among workers and to implement appropriate preventive measures in order to effectively combat this condition in the workplace.