KNOWLEDGE OF THE HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF HEPATITIS B VIRUS AMONG UNDERGRADUATES IN A TERTIARY INSTITUTION IN EDO STATE

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus is seen as a major threat to human health. This study examined the knowledge of the health implications of hepatitis B virus among female undergraduates of the University of Benin. Three research questions were raised for this study. The descriptive survey research design was used for the study. The population for this study was three thousand, one hundred and eighty (3,180) female undergraduates. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques were used for the study, and one hundred and fifty-nine (159) respondents were drawn as the sample for the study. The instrument used for this study was a self-structured questionnaire made up of two sections. The questionnaire was validated by three experts in the field of Health, Safety, and Environmental Education. The test re-test method was used to determine the reliability of the study, and a score of 0.75 was obtained. The data collected were analyzed using frequency count and percentage. From the findings, it was revealed that the respondents had low levels of knowledge of HBV, poor knowledge of the health implications of HBV as well as poor knowledge of the preventive practices for HBV. Only 24% of respondents agreed that untreated HBV can lead to liver cirrhosis, while 32% agreed that using a condom can prevent HBV. In line with the findings of the study, it was therefore recommended that public health awareness campaigns should be organized within the school to further improve students‗ knowledge of HBV.