Knowledge of hepatitis B among youths (18-29 Years) in Udu, Ughelli North & Ughelli South Federal Constituency of Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

Hepatitis B (HBV) is a viral infection affecting the liver and can cause both acute and chronic disease. The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge of hepatitis B. It was a cross-sectional descriptive study, using an interviewer-administered questionnaire to assess the knowledge of hepatitis B among youths aged 18–29 years in Udu, Ughelli North, and Ughelli South Local Government Areas of Delta State. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to recruit 400 respondents. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package of Social Sciences Version 26 with statistical significance set at p<0.05 and binary logistic regression was conducted to examine associations and predictors of good knowledge. Findings revealed the mean age of respondents was 23.9 ± 3.3 of 18 – 29 years. Overall awareness of hepatitis B was high with 82.5% of respondents having heard of the infection. However, only 65.2%  demonstrated good overall knowledge of hepatitis B. Specifically, 85.8% knew that hepatitis B is not curable, 72.2% understood that it is not hereditary, and 70.5% recognized that it is preventable. 50.5% knew hepatitis B was transmissible, 49.3% identified sexual transmission, and 41.0% recognized mother-to-child transmission during delivery. A majority of respondents, 89.0%, correctly stated that hepatitis B cannot be transmitted through touching an infected person. Symptoms recognition was low, with only 37.3% able to mention at least one symptom, most commonly jaundice 73.2% and dark urine 59.7%. Statistical analysis revealed significant associations between knowledge of hepatitis B and age (p = 0.004), marital status (p = 0.020), ethnicity (p = 0.046), educational level (p < 0.001), place of
residence (p = 0.004), and family structure (p = 0.041). Binary logistic regression analysis identified age groups 27–29 years (aOR = 6.176, p = 0.038) and tertiary education (aOR = 2.662, p = 0.019) as independent predictors of good knowledge. This study underscores the urgent need for youth-focused public health education and targeted interventions to address persistent knowledge gaps and reduce HBV transmission in vulnerable populations.