Factors Influencing the Level of Knowledge of Hepatitis B Virus Among Residents of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria

The Hepatitis B virus, which is a potentially fatal liver infection, causes hepatitis B (HBV). It is a significant issue for global health since it can lead to chronic infections and a high risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer-related death. The main factor in the spread of NBV is ignorance; there are both acute and chronic forms of HBV. Around two billion people are thought to be infected, and 350million of those people have the chronic form of the illness. A tropical nation like Nigeria has been found to have a high prevalence of HBV infection, and 75% of its citizens are likely to have come into contact with the virus at some point in their lives. Approximately 18 million Nigerians are currently afflicted. From various regions of the nation, prevalence rates ranging from 4.3% to 23.3% have been observed. Ilorin metropolis is located in one of the states with a high prevalence of HBV, according to existing studies. To determine the factors influencing the level of knowledge of residents of Ilorin metropolis about the hepatitis B virus and to raise awareness of the virus's hidden effects and dangers, the germ theory of diseases and the Health Belief Model (HBM). The survey design, alongside multiple sampling techniques, was used. The questionnaire instrumentwas administered to 300 respondents, selected using a purposive sampling technique to select three (3) Local Government Areas. To test the hypotheses, the Pearson Correlation Coefficient was used. The results showed that there are related/correlated responses on the factors influencing the level of knowledge of Hepatitis B virus among residents of Ilorin, Kwara State, and there is a significant relationship between the level of awareness and knowledge of the spread of Hepatitis B in Ilorin metropolis. The hypothesis also reveals that there is a weak relationship between the factors influencing the level of knowledge of Hepatitis "B" among residents of Ilorin. In conclusion, the study clarifies numerous crucial facets of HBV epidemiology in Nigeria. Hepatitis B virus prevalence is high and varies by region. However, a public awareness campaign, mass immunization of children and adults at risk, and the provision of immunostimulatory medication for those who are already infected in Kwara State and throughout Nigeria could reduce the incidence of hepatitis B virus infection.