Prevalence of Hepatitis B Infection and Associated Factors among Students of Tertiary Institution in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major global public health challenge, with a disproportionately high burden in sub-Saharan Africa. Due to high behavioral practices such as, drug injection, unprotected sex, multiple sex partner among students of higher learning, this study investigated the prevalence, associated risk factors, awareness, and vaccination status of HBV among students of the College of Health Sciences and Technology, Ijero Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. 544 participants were randomly selected use a cross-sectional design study. The participants were asked to fill structured questionnaires and underwent serological testing for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Findings revealed that 20 students (4%) were HBsAg-positive, while 524 (96%) tested negative. Residence significantly influenced infection rates, with urban dwellers showing a higher prevalence (7.3%) compared to rural residents (2.6%, p = 0.018). Key behavioral risk factors included unprotected sexual intercourse (7.6% vs. 2.7%, p = 0.016) and sharing of sharp objects (6.8% vs. 2.2%, p = 0.019). Awareness of HBV was relatively high (80.9%), with 66.2% correctly identifying it as a viral disease. However, misconceptions persisted, particularly regarding mother-to-child transmission and vaccine availability. Vaccination uptake was notably poor, with only 6.7% of participants ever vaccinated, and just 20% completing the three-dose schedule. Lack of awareness (57.8%) was the most commonly reported barrier to vaccination. In conclusion, HBV prevalence among students was of intermediate level, with infection strongly associated with risky behaviors and inadequate vaccination coverage. The findings highlight the need to strengthen routine vaccination programs and implementing targeted health education interventions to reduce HBV transmission and improve health outcomes in this population.