AB003. A quantitative study of the prevalence of hepatitis B among garbage collectors in Baguio City, Philippines
Abstract

AB003. A quantitative study of the prevalence of hepatitis B among garbage collectors in Baguio City, Philippines

Anthony B. Baldivino Jr, Athena Jade M. Busil, Jared Morhyz G. Cadaweng, Arrianne Grace G. Dubla, Alyse N. Halog, Dianne Frances R. Lachica, Efren W. Licdan Jr, Sean Dale M. Manaloto, Athenna Jae W. Oribello, Rolaine Mae M. Panaligan, Karyll Rain D. Tarnate, Perciveranda A. Millare

College of Nursing, University of the Cordilleras, Baguio, Philippines

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a pressing occupational health issue, especially among waste collectors who are often overlooked despite high exposure to biohazards. In Baguio City, the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), limited access to healthcare, and minimal vaccination coverage suggest increased vulnerability, yet data on this population remain scarce. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of HBV among garbage collectors and to identify whether occupational exposure, knowledge about HBV, and workplace conditions are associated with HBsAg positivity.

Methods: A quantitative correlational design was used among 59 registered male garbage collectors under the Baguio City General Services Office. Data collection included a structured questionnaire and rapid hepatitis B antigen (HBsAg) testing. Chi-squared analysis determined associations between variables. Ethical clearance was secured through institutional approval, and informed consent was obtained.

Results: The study found a 3.4% HBV prevalence rate. While knowledge and exposure levels were not statistically associated with infection, poor workplace conditions showed significant correlation (χ2=6.65, P=0.01). Results emphasize the need for structural interventions like PPE provision, vaccination drives, and routine screening.

Conclusions: This study concludes that hepatitis B prevalence among garbage collectors in Baguio City is relatively low at 3.4%; however, workplace conditions play a significant role in influencing infection status. While occupational exposure and knowledge did not show statistically significant associations, inadequate workplace safety measures were strongly linked to hepatitis B occurrence. These findings highlight the need for improved occupational health standards, consistent provision of protective equipment, and regular health monitoring. Strengthening nursing and public health advocacy is essential to promote safer working environments and reduce infection risks among garbage collectors.

Keywords: Hepatitis B; garbage collectors; public health; vaccination access; workplace conditions

Footnote

Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Open Access Statement: This is an Open Access article distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0), which permits the noncommercial replication and distribution of the article with the strict proviso that no changes or edits are made and the original work is properly cited (including links to both the formal publication through the relevant DOI and the license). See: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/.

doi: 10.21037/jphe-26-ab003
Cite this abstract as: Baldivino AB Jr, Busil AJM, Cadaweng JMG, Dubla AGG, Halog AN, Lachica DFR, Licdan EW Jr, Manaloto SDM, Oribello AJW, Panaligan RMM, Tarnate KRD, Millare PA. AB003. A quantitative study of the prevalence of hepatitis B among garbage collectors in Baguio City, Philippines. J Public Health Emerg 2026;10:AB003.

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