Tattooing and vaccination uptake are key predictors of hepatitis B virus infection among sellers and workers in a market in Ghana

Agyemang Obeng, Michael 1 ; Kwaku Ofosu Boateng, De-Graft2; Kofi Attah, Joshua3; Koney Shardow, Abdul Latif1; Owusu Boateng, Clinton1; Kobina Okwan, Daniel1; Yawa Nunamey Ahadzie, Senam1; Takyi, Pius1; Yawson Scott, Godfred1; Amponsah Abrampah, Akwasi4; Kusi Boakye, Felix4; Oduro, Patrick1; Dzemedo Nouwati, Daniel1; Bonsu Amankwah, Kofi1; Mahmoud Hassanin, Reem5; Mahi Adams, Mohammed6; Abudu Rahamani, Abu7

Published Feb 12, 2026 on Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.cjsxksnkd

Data files

Feb 12, 2026 version files 83.16 KB

KJM1_DATASET_V4.xlsx

79.16 KB
README.md

4 KB

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana, despite the introduction of infant vaccination programs. Limited data exist on HBV prevalence and risk factors in informal sector populations such as market workers, who may face unique occupational and behavioural exposures. This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of HBV infection among sellers and workers at a market in Ghana. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 489 adult market workers. Participants were selected through stratified random sampling across occupational groups. Data on sociodemographic, occupational, and behavioral factors were collected using structured questionnaires. On-site testing for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was performed using the Hightop One Step Rapid Test kit. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent predictors of HBV infection. The overall prevalence of HBV infection was 7.36% (36/489), consistent with intermediate-to-high endemicity. Multivariate analysis identified three independent predictors of HBV infection: male gender (aOR = 0.455, 95% CI: 0.221–0.937; p = 0.033), presence of tattoos (aOR = 0.283, 95% CI: 0.110–0.730; p = 0.009), and vaccination status (unvaccinated individuals had 3.37-fold increased odds of infection; 95% CI: 1.395–8.142; p = 0.007). HBV prevalence declined progressively with increasing vaccine doses, from 9.2% in unvaccinated individuals to 2.3% among those who had completed three or more doses. HBV infection is common among the market workers, with prevalence exceeding both continental and global estimates. Male gender, tattooing, and poor vaccination uptake were significant predictors of infection. Strengthening adult vaccination programs, promoting safe tattooing practices, and implementing male-focused screening and prevention interventions are critical to reducing HBV burden and achieving Ghana’s contribution to the WHO goal of eliminating HBV by 2030.

Dataset DOI: 10.5061/dryad.cjsxksnkd

Description of the data and file structure

A well-structured questionnaire was pretested, validated, and administered through face-to-face interviews with the participants to collect data on their sociodemographic, occupational, HBV vaccination status, and behavioural factors.

Data collection was conducted by trained research assistants proficient in local languages. Before commencement of the study, all researchers underwent training and retraining prior to the pretesting of the questionnaire. After each day of data collection, a cadre of investigators meticulously reviewed the data obtained, checking for inconsistencies and omissions.

Files and variables

File: KJM1_DATASET_V4.xlsx

Description: This file contains the dataset for the study under consideration

Variables

Definition of column headers

HBV: Hepatitis B virus
HBV status: whether or not the study participant has HBV infection
Marital status: whether or not the study participant is married
Participant ID: Specific code given to study participant to ensure anonymity.
Have you ever heard of hepatitis B infection?: This is to provide the information whether or not a participant has heard of HBV infection
If yes, what is your source of information on hepatitis B?: Here participant gives the source of information on HBV infection
Which group of people are encouraged to take the hepatitis B vaccine? : This is to tell what a participant knows about who should take the HBV vaccine
Have you taken Hepatitis B vaccine before?: to know if the participant has taken the HBV vaccine
If no, (not vaccinated), will you take the hepatitis B vaccine if it were given free of charge?: To assess if payment for vaccination could be a barrier to vaccine uptake
If yes, how many doses of the hepatitis B vaccine have you taken?: To know the number of shots taken by a participant
Do you have a close person who has HBV infection?: To assess if having a close person with HBV could have an impact on vaccine uptake or infection prevalence
Where you have stayed for the greater part of your life, will you consider that place to be? : To assess if living in a rural or urban centre has influence on vaccine uptake or HBV infection prevalence.
How many different sexual partners have you had since childhood/lifetime?: To assess whether or not the number of sexual partners could influence HBV prevalence
To the best of your knowledge, have you ever had STDs before, for example HIV, Hepatitis, Syphilis, Gonorrhoea or Chlamydia?: To assess if the presence of STD could influence HBV prevalence
At which age did you have your first sexual intercourse?: To assess if the age of first sex could influence HBV prevalence
Have you been given blood transfusion before?: To assess if blood transfusion could influence HBV prevalence.
Do you have tattoo on you?: To assess if the presence of a tattoo could influence HBV prevalence.
Have fingernails/toenails clippers clipped your nails for you before?: To assess if the presence of a tattoo could influence HBV prevalence.
Have you received education or training on Hepatitis B before?: To assess if receiving education on HBV could influence HBV prevalence and vaccine uptake.

N/A: Not applicable
Other detailed individual-level responses on sensitive topics (e.g., sexual history, etc.) have been removed, and others have been coded

Human subjects data

Written informed consent was obtained from all participants after explaining the purpose, procedures, benefits, and potential risks of the study in their preferred language.
Confidentiality was maintained by using unique identification codes in place of personal identifiers on all study documents. All the participants consented to public data sharing.