STUDENTS, VARIOUS FACULTIES, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN, YEAR 2023

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health disease. Early diagnosis can, however, improve outcomes in infected patients. Infections can be acute with a propensity to evolve into chronic diseases and their attendant life-threatening complications. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of HBV among University of Benin students and associated risk factors. Research methodology involved collection of blood sample from 93 students aged 16 to 59 years from different student using the systematic sampling technique. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Benin Ethical Review Board, blood samples were collected from students and stored in a 5ml EDTA bottle. HBsAg was tested using the HBsAg rapid test kit. The test was carried out and interpreted according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The questionnaire includes both closed and open-ended questions and will be sectionalized into socio-demographic characteristics, risk factors associated with HBV infection and vaccination history students
and using systematic sampling technique. HBsAg was tested using the HBsAg test kit. Of the 328 students that were screened, 2 (0.6%) were positive. Study shows an apparent very low prevalence of University of Benin. The result of this research shows an apparent hesitancy towards vaccination and of a sharp instinct to not share sharp objects. Though it is lower than the countries recorded prevalence level, routine vaccination program and public enlightenment should be strengthened for further control of HBV.