Analysis of seroprevalence against measles, rubella and mumps in health workers of two health departments of the Valencian Community (Spain)

Abstract

BACKGROUND // Health Personnel are a professional group exposed to occupational risks. The aim of this paper was to estimate the absence of seroprotection against measles, rubella and mumps in health workers linked to two Health Departments of the Valencian Community (Spain) and to study the relationship with age, sex, professional category, occupational risk and performance área.

METHODS // A cross-sectional observational study was made. Data were collected from health surveillance reports, which included serological results from 2,674 health workers. The socio-demographic variables were: sex, age groups (18-34; 35-49; >50 years), service classification (risk/no risk), professional category, professional performance area (primary care/hospital care) and the dependent variable was absence of immunization against measles, rubella and mumps identified by the absence of serological levels. For the diseases studied, the prevalence of absence of seroprotection was estimated and the association between non-immunization and the rest of variables was evaluated.

RESULTS // Prevalence of non-immunization was 7.8%, 3.7% and 16.1% for measles, rubella and mumps, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed a significant differences in the prevalence of non-immunization to measles according to age groups (adjusted OR 11.8 and adjusted OR 5.8) and professional performance area (adjusted OR 0.5), compared to mumps according to age groups (adjusted OR 4.9 and adjusted OR 3.6) and professional category 1 (doctors, pharmacists, dentists and psychologists) (adjusted OR 0.6) and against rubella according to sex (adjusted OR 4.6).

CONCLUSIONS // It is necessary to maintain vaccination among health workers, especially those who perform their functions in risk areas and among younger personnel. Vaccination should be promoted within occupational safety policies.