The hepatitis B virus: Attitude, perception and willingness to undergo vaccination among undergraduates in health-related courses in a tertiary institution, Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus (HBV), an infectious disease of global significance, causes a significant health burden particularly in Africa. Medical and paramedical undergraduates are at increased risk of HBV exposure due to their academic and clinical responsibilities. Attitudes, perceptions and willingness to receive vaccination are determinants of protection and disease transmission.

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among medical and paramedical undergraduates using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Data collected included socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge and perception of HBV, attitudes toward vaccination, and willingness to receive HBV vaccine. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Level of statistical significance was set at p value <0.05. Of 277 consecutively recruited respondents, 18.8%, 24.5% and 13.7% were medical, medical laboratory science and nursing students respectively while 43.0% were pharmacy students. A total of 62.5% of the respondents strongly agreed that Hepatitis B poses a significant occupational hazard for medical and paramedical students, and 64.6% showed a positive attitude towards Hepatitis B and vaccination. More than three-quarters, 78.7% expressed their willingness to be vaccinated. Of these, 72.9% were very likely to recommend it to their peers. Positive attitude and willingness to be vaccinated was significantly associated with gender (p=0.001 & 0.030) and faculty of study (p=0.016 & < 0.001) respectively.

The study demonstrated positive attitudes towards both Hepatitis B and vaccination among respondents. Willingness to vaccinate appears promising but hindered by logistic and financial constraints. Targeted health education, discounted vaccination programs, and curriculum integration are recommended to promote vaccine uptake among undergraduates in Nigerian universities.