A serological survey of hepatitis B among migrant workers at a construction site in Qingdao, China

INTRODUCTION: Migrant workers are a vulnerable population for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The present study aimed to assess HBV prevalence and identify associated risk factors among migrant workers at a construction site in Qingdao, in order to inform prevention strategies. METHODOLOGY: A random sampling method was used to select 169 migrant workers from a construction site in Qingdao in 2022. Data were collected through questionnaire surveys, and venous blood samples were obtained for serological testing. The electrochemiluminescence method was employed for serological testing to determine the positivity rate of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), surface antibody (HBsAb), and core antibody (HBcAb), as well as the overall infection rate of HBV. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with HBV infection. RESULTS: Among the 169 participants, the positivity rates of HBsAg, HBsAb, and HBcAb were 4.73%, 52.07%, and 43.20%, respectively, and the HBV infection rate was 46.75%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that being male, aged 41 years and above, having 2-5 years of working experience at construction sites, and residing in rural areas were risk factors for HBV infection, while a history of hepatitis B vaccination was a protective factor for HBV infection. CONCLUSIONS: The positivity rate of HBsAg was higher among migrant workers at a construction site in Qingdao. Several risk factors were identified in relation to HBV infection. Strengthening health education and promoting hepatitis B vaccination are recommended to reduce the infection and prevalence of hepatitis B.