Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hepatitis B Infections among Students in Tertiary Institutions in Kano State, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56919/usci.2543.036Keywords:
Hepatitis, hepatitis B (HBV), Viruses, VaccinationAbstract
Infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a significant global public health concern, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where its prevalence is disproportionately high. This study investigates the frequency of hepatitis B infections and the associated risk factors among students attending postsecondary institutions in Kano State, Nigeria. Five academic institutions in Kano State participated in this descriptive cross-sectional study, which included all eligible individuals. Serological tests (HBsAg screening) and 1,200 structured, interviewer-administered questions were utilized. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 was used to analyze the data electronically. Among the study population, 492 (41.0%) were men and 708 (59.0%) were women. The majority of participants (79.3%) were between the ages of 18 and 29. The prevalence of the hepatitis B virus in the study population was 14.1%, with 14.1% of participants testing positive and the remaining individuals testing negative. One possible explanation for this discrepancy is the young age of the research population. The knowledge evaluation indicated that participants demonstrated a strong understanding of hepatitis B virus infection. Major risk factors identified included tattoos or body piercings, sharing needles, razors, clippers, toothbrushes, and injections, as well as contact with an infected person's fluids, having unprotected intercourse, and a lack of awareness regarding HBV transmission methods. The high prevalence of HBV revealed in this study underscores the critical need for HBV education and vaccination. It also provides essential information about the epidemiological trends of hepatitis B in a significant demographic group in Kano State. This research calls for multi-sectoral cooperation among legislators, healthcare professionals, and educational authorities to implement effective measures to reduce the spread of HBV, increase vaccination rates, and promote a healthier learning environment.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Faiza Aliyu Ismail, Abdullahi Muhammad Umar, Nasir Sirajo Sadi, Amina Shehu, Abdullahi Nasir Salmanu, Abdullahi Musa Hassan (Author)
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