Analysis of the knowledge of and attitude to Hepatitis B virus among Students of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the extent at which the national policy on hepatitis (2016-2021) plan has been successful in increasing the awareness and knowledge of the virus among youth, with focus on undergraduate students of the University of Ibadan. The Health Belief Model (HBM) was used to frame this study. This study selected 395 non-health related students of the university, using stratified and purposive sampling techniques. The awareness, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity and practices of the students regarding the virus were investigated. The data gathered were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed low knowledge, perceived susceptibility and vaccination among the students. Major barriers to vaccination were poor accessibility to the vaccine, lack of time and knowledge about availability of the vaccine. We recommended that the health centre of the university should do more in educating the students and those who visit the hospitals on HB. Posters, billboards, awareness campaigns and other communication channels should be adopted to increase the knowledge of the students about the virus. There was need for government to pay more attention to the virus as it is done for HIV/AIDS. We also recommended the need for more orientation, sensitisation and education on hepatitis B virus on the conventional media and the social media across the country.