Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Hepatitis B Virus Infection Among Students of Nasarawa State School of Health Science and Technology, Keffi, Nasarawa State.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a small, double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the family Hepadnaviridae. It primarily infects the liver, causing both acute and chronic liver diseases. This study assesses HBV seroprevalence and associated risk factors among 200 students at Nasarawa State School of Health Technology in Keffi, Nigeria, using a cross-sectional design. Blood samples were analyzed for HBV surface antigens a rapid chromatographic immunoassay which is a qualitative test was used for screening the sera for HBsAg. The test kit (HBsAg one step test strips, ACON Laboratories Inc. USA) utilizes a combination of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to detect HBsAg in serum. The test procedure and result interpretation were carried out according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and statistical analysis was performed to examine the relationship between HBV infection and various demographic and behavioral factors. Overall, HBV seroprevalence was (3.0%), with a prevalence of (2.5%) in males and (3.3%) in females. Age-specific prevalence was (1.17%) for ages 18-23, (3.8%) for 24-29, and (10.0%) for ages 30-35. Prevalence among married students was 4.6%, compared to (2.5%) for unmarried students; off-campus residents showed a higher rate (4.16%) than on-campus residents (2.8%). A significant association was observed between HBV infection and multiple sexual partners, with a prevalence of (27%) among students reporting three partners. Students with tribal marks had a prevalence of (12.5%), compared to (2.6%) for those without. Additional findings revealed a (0.0%) prevalence among students with a history of blood transfusions and those who had undergone recent surgical operations, suggesting low risk from these factors. The prevalence was (4.5%) among students practicing local manicure, while those without this practice showed a rate of (2.8%). Importantly, none of the vaccinated students tested positive for HBV, underscoring the vaccine’s protective effect. These results highlight the need for targeted sexual health education, promoting safer practices, and expanding HBV vaccination campaigns in student populations. Routine screening and preventive measures are recommended to reduce HBV transmission in educational settings and protect at-risk students.