Knowledge of Hepatitis B Infection and Perception of Vaccination Among Undergraduate Students of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B infection is a major public health problem globally; the leading aetiology of cirrhosis and liver cancer; of which economic impact is particularly significant in developing countries like Nigeria. Yet, the uptake of full doses of vaccine is low especially among students of tertiary institutions.

Objective: Aim of this study was to assess HBV infection knowledge status of undergraduate students of Al-Hikmah University and their perception to vaccination.

Method: Descriptive cross-sectional study among 202 undergraduate students of Al-Hikmah University Ilorin, selected through simple random techniques. Quantitative method was adopted using adopted, self-administered questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS 25.

Results: Cumulatively, 65.2% of the participants had good knowledge of HBV infection. 83.2% knew at least one or more route of HBV transmission. 83.7% knew at least one or more complications of HBV disease. Only 10.4% had taken at least one dose of HBV vaccine with just 7.4% had taken complete doses of HBV vaccine. No statistical association exists between knowledge of HBV infection and uptake of vaccine.

Conclusion: This study shows an urgent need for intervention targeted at raising awareness about HBV vaccine and its uptake among undergraduate students.