Epidemiological Study of Hepatitis B Virus Infection among Selected Students in a Tertiary Institution North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major global public health challenge because of its associated long-term health hazards, particularly among young individuals. This study evaluated the seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and its related risk factors among students at a tertiary institution in Oro, Kwara State, Nigeria. One hundred and ninety-five (195) apparently healthy students were screened, and the obtained serum samples were separated and analyzed for HBsAg using a commercially available Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)-based kit. A qualitative 5-panel HBV test was subsequently carried out to determine viral seromarkers among seropositive subjects, while structured questionnaires were utilized to assess potential risk factors.Out of the 195 samples screened, 16 (8.2%) were seropositive. Subjects aged 18–25 years recorded a 20.5% positivity rate (X² = 6.351; p > 0.05), while female subjects showed 12.5% positivity compared to 6.1% positivity in males (X² = 2.333; p > 0.05). Regarding lifestyle risk factors, alcohol consumption was recorded at 11.4% among the screened population, whereas a history of blood transfusion was found in 5.6% of positive male subjects compared to none among females (X² = 0.311; p = 0.577). The 5-panel test revealed significant variations in seromarkers among seropositive individuals, which helps define the precise phase and degree of viral infectivity. Notably, a majority of the study population demonstrated a substantial lack of knowledge regarding the virus and had never received a vaccine. Based on these findings, public awareness campaigns should be prioritized, while a comprehensive vaccination program is strongly advocated within the community.