Factors Associated with Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Infection among The University students in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract

Background and Objectives: University students are the major blood donors in Dhaka city. There is no HBV immunization policy for university students in Bangladesh, and the virus can be transmited during blood transfusion if blood is not adequately screened. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of HBV infection, vaccination status of HBV, and to determine risk factors for HBV infection among University students in Bangladesh. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted among 614 randomly selected students of four Universities in Dhaka from July 2018 to November 2018 on behalf of Thalassaemia hospital and Institute, a project of IACIB during the screening of Thalassaemia carriers among the students. Student’s demographic information was collected by using a questionnaire. Blood samples were collected to screen HBsAg along with Thalassaemia carriers. SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis. Results: During the study we found 5% HBV infection and 19.2% vaccination coverage for HBV. HBV infection was higher (8.9%) among graduate students (p=0.031), 22.5% among married students (p=0.001). Students having an HBV vaccine, not having sexual contact, and not having a history of surgery were less likely to have HBV infection with odds ratios (95% CI) of 9.396 (1.038-85.022), 48.268 (13.511-172.436) and 14.407 (3.86353.732) respectively. Conclusion: Absence of HBV vaccination, unsafe sexual contact and history of previous surgery are the major cause of HBV infection among university students. Students should be aware of HBV infection, and appropriate screening, as well as vaccination programs, should be launched in the universities of Bangladesh.