Prevalence and Associated Factors of Hepatitis B and/or C Virus Infections among Medical Waste Handlers in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Health systems around the world are severely impacted by hepatitis B Virus and hepatitis C Virus, particularly in low- and middle-income nations. These viruses are still more common in Ethiopia even with preventive efforts including the hepatitis B vaccine, universal precautions, and occupational safety procedures. There is little information available on their frequency and related variables among Ethiopian medical waste handlers. The purpose of this meta-analysis and systematic review was to ascertain the prevalence of hepatitis B and/or C in this population as well as its contributing factors. Different databases, including PubMed, Science Direct, Cochrane, Hinari, Google Scholar, grey literature, and articles from different university repository sites, were examined in order to locate available publications. Five studies with a total sample size of 1,211 participants were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The data was extracted and sorted using Microsoft Excel version 13 before being sent to STATA/MP 17.0 for analysis. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess each study’s quality. The pooled prevalence of the hepatitis B and C virus was examined using a Der Simonian random-effects model with a 95% confidence interval. The Egger’s test and I 2 were used to evaluate publication bias and heterogeneity. The possible cause of heterogeneity was assessed using both subgroup analysis and meta-regression. P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The pooled prevalence of hepatitis B and/or C viruses among Ethiopian medical waste handlers was 13% (95% CI: 5–21%), according to the findings of this comprehensive study and meta-analysis. Significant heterogeneity is shown in the Galbraith plot, with I 2 = 96.21% ( p < 0.001). The prevalence of hepatitis B and/or C viruses was 11.3%, according to studies conducted until the year 2020. However, studies included less than 260 participants found that the prevalence of the hepatitis B and/or C virus was 14.90%. This study found that having multiple sexual partners and prior exposure to sharp objects were associated with Hepatitis B Virus and/or Hepatitis C Virus infection among medical waste handlers. These findings highlight the role of behavioral and occupational factors in hepatitis transmission. Therefore, reducing infection risk requires promoting safe sexual practices and strengthening infection prevention and control measures in healthcare settings.