Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Hepatitis B Virus Infection Among Undergraduate Students of Bouesti

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant public health concern globally, with a high prevalence among young adults in Nigeria. Despite the availability of effective vaccines and treatment, HBV infection remains a major health challenge among undergraduate students in Nigeria. To determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of HBV infection among undergraduate students of BOUESTI, in order to inform the development of effective prevention and control strategies. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 160 undergraduate students of BOUESTI, selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on demographic characteristics, risk factors, and knowledge of HBV infection. Blood samples were collected from participants and tested for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) - Strip Tests. The prevalence of HBV infection was found to be 12.5% (50/400), with a higher prevalence among males (15.1%, 25/166) than females (9.5%, 25/234). Risk factors associated with HBV infection included age (20-24 years), sex (male), marital status (married), and a history of blood transfusion. Knowledge of HBV infection was found to be low among participants, with few having good knowledge of the disease. This study highlights the need for increased awareness and vaccination among undergraduate students of BOUESTI to prevent HBV infection. The findings will inform the development of effective prevention and control strategies to reduce the burden of HBV infection among this population. Keywords: Hepatitis B, Virus, Prevalence, Infection, Young Adult, Public health, Vaccination.