An Investigation into the Hepatitis Infection Prevalence, Risk Factors and Preventive Measures among Students of Tertiary Institutions in Nasarawa State of Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the prevalence, risk factors, and preventive measures of hepatitis infection among students in tertiary institutions in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional design was employed, and a sample size of 422 students was determined using the Cochran formula. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 25. The study found that only 24.2% of respondents had heard of hepatitis infection, and the most common risk factors identified were sharing personal items (42.7%), unprotected sex (26.5%), and tattooing/body piercing (19.0%). The study highlights the need for increased education and awareness about hepatitis infection, its risk factors, and preventative measures among young adults in tertiary institutions.