KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES OF SAFE MOTHERHOOD AMONG WOMEN RECEIVING ANTE NATAL CARE IN UBTH, EDO STATE NIGERIA

1.1 Background to the Study

Hepatitis B represents a significant global health issue and ranks among the primary causes of liver disease, such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is highly infectious and spreads mainly through contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 296 million individuals globally were living with chronic HBV infection in 2019, resulting in millions of deaths annually (World Health Organization [WHO], 2015). Even with effective vaccines and preventive strategies available, the worldwide impact of Hepatitis B continues to be substantial, particularly in areas like sub-Saharan Africa where the disease is highly endemic.

In sub-Saharan Africa, Hepatitis B prevalence is notably elevated, and the region carries a disproportionately large share of the global disease burden. As part of this region, Nigeria reports a considerable prevalence of Hepatitis B, with chronic infection rates ranging from 10% to 15% among adults well above the global average. This situation imposes a heavy load on the healthcare system and adds to the rising incidence of liver disease (Musa et al., 2015). Hepatitis B persists as a critical public health problem in Nigeria, where many people lack awareness of the associated risks and the available preventive options.

Taraba State University, situated in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State, functions as a higher education institution attracting students from varied backgrounds within the state and beyond. The university enrolls a large student body, mostly consisting of individuals in their late teens and early twenties. This age group faces increased vulnerability to Hepatitis B because of common behavioral patterns. Adolescents and young adults frequently participate in high-risk activities, including unprotected sexual contact, needle sharing, and other behaviors that elevate the chance of acquiring blood-borne infections like Hepatitis B (Al-Hazmi, 2023).

Although effective vaccines and preventive measures exist, their success depends heavily on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of at-risk populations. Despite ongoing efforts to curb Hepatitis B transmission, many students particularly in Nigerian universities still possess insufficient knowledge of prevention methods. Earlier research has indicated that even medical students in different parts of the world, including North-Western Nigeria, exhibit deficiencies in Hepatitis B knowledge despite greater potential exposure in clinical environments (Isa et al., 2023).

It is vital to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of university students specifically regarding Hepatitis B prevention. Such research is important because university students are at a life stage where they are prone to engaging in behaviors that heighten Hepatitis B risk, while they may not completely grasp the consequences or the available protective steps. Investigations among medical students across several countries, including Nigeria, have frequently revealed inadequate understanding of transmission modes and preventive approaches for Hepatitis B, regardless of their academic training (Othman et al., 2023).

Moreover, although a safe and effective vaccine against Hepatitis B is available, vaccination uptake has often fallen short of expectations. This shortfall may stem from limited knowledge or incorrect beliefs about the vaccine and its benefits. For example, prior studies have identified widespread misconceptions and unfavorable attitudes toward vaccination among students, resulting in low immunization rates even within high-risk groups (Haq et al., 2023).

Like many other Nigerian universities, Taraba State University encounters difficulties in informing its students about Hepatitis B risks and the value of preventive actions. Beyond vaccination, strategies such as practicing safe sex, refraining from sharing needles, and undergoing virus screening are essential for lowering transmission. Nonetheless, the existing levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning Hepatitis B prevention among the university’s students are not well understood.

Multiple studies have emphasized the role of knowledge in decreasing Hepatitis B cases. A study by Haider and Haider (2020) demonstrated that higher awareness and comprehension of Hepatitis B substantially raised the probability that students would practice prevention, including getting vaccinated and adopting safer behaviors. These outcomes align with worldwide patterns showing a clear link between education and reduced Hepatitis B transmission (van der Veen et al., 2020).

Consequently, there is a strong need for focused interventions that enhance students’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices about Hepatitis B. Without sufficient awareness and education, preventive tools may continue to be underused, leaving students more exposed to infection. Health campaigns, workshops, and educational programs intended to expand knowledge and foster proactive behaviors are necessary to control Hepatitis B spread among university students.

While some research has explored Hepatitis B awareness among university students mainly in medical disciplines there is scant investigation on this subject in Nigerian universities, especially at Taraba State University. Furthermore, no detailed studies have investigated the connections between knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices for Hepatitis B among students in this area. Filling this research gap is crucial for creating relevant, context-appropriate health interventions that meet the specific requirements of university students.

Through evaluating the KAP of Hepatitis B prevention among students at Taraba State University, the present study intends to add to the wider body of knowledge on factors affecting Hepatitis B prevention in university settings. The outcomes are expected to guide the creation of educational programs aimed at raising awareness of Hepatitis B and motivating greater adoption of preventive measures. It is anticipated that this research will provide a useful framework for other universities in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa, where Hepatitis B continues to pose a major public health challenge.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Even though vaccines and preventive measures are accessible, Hepatitis B continues to be a major public health concern, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and Nigeria. Chronic Hepatitis B infection rates in Nigeria are estimated at 10% to 15% of the adult population, significantly contributing to cases of liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (Musa et al., 2015). However, information on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding Hepatitis B virus (HBV) prevention among university students particularly at institutions like Taraba State University remains inadequately documented.

Most previous research has concentrated on medical students, leaving the general student population largely unexamined. For instance, Isa et al. (2023) addressed the seroprevalence of Hepatitis B in North-Western Nigeria, but insight into students’ awareness of prevention strategies is still limited. Likewise, studies such as Othman et al. (2023) on medical students in Iraq highlight awareness issues, yet comparable data for Nigerian university students, especially in understudied regions like Taraba State, are scarce. This literature gap hinders the development of targeted interventions to lower HBV transmission among the broader student community.

In addition, research shows that misconceptions about the disease endure even among those with access to information, resulting in weak uptake of preventive actions like vaccination (Haq et al., 2023). Despite available preventive options, utilization remains low, likely due to insufficient education and outreach efforts in university environments (Al-Hazmi, 2023). The lack of clarity regarding students’ KAP toward Hepatitis B at Taraba State University underscores the necessity for specific research to identify and remedy these knowledge and behavioral shortcomings.

Accordingly, this study aims to address these deficiencies by exploring the knowledge, attitudes, and practices associated with Hepatitis B prevention among students at Taraba State University. The findings will offer important perspectives on existing challenges and support the design of customized health education initiatives.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objectives of the study are:

1. To assess the level of knowledge about Hepatitis B prevention among students of Taraba State University.

2. To examine the attitudes of students at Taraba State University toward the prevention of Hepatitis B.

3. To evaluate the practices of students at Taraba State University in preventing Hepatitis B infection.

1.4 Research Questions

The study will answer the following research questions:

1. What is the level of knowledge regarding Hepatitis B prevention among students at Taraba State University?

2. What are the attitudes of students at Taraba State University towards the prevention of Hepatitis B?

3. What preventive practices are employed by students at Taraba State University to reduce the risk of Hepatitis B infection?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

Drawing from the research questions, the following hypotheses will be tested:

1. There is a significant relationship between the level of knowledge about Hepatitis B and the prevention practices among students at Taraba State University.

2. Students with positive attitudes toward Hepatitis B prevention are more likely to adopt preventive practices.

3. There is no significant difference in the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding Hepatitis B prevention between male and female students at Taraba State University.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study intends to deliver valuable insights into the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to Hepatitis B prevention among university students, with specific attention to those at Taraba State University. The results will serve as an important foundation for health education campaigns intended to heighten awareness of Hepatitis B, particularly in areas with high disease prevalence but limited prevention knowledge. By clarifying the current state of knowledge, attitudes, and practices, the study will help shape targeted interventions focused on boosting awareness and encouraging behaviors such as vaccination and safe practices.

University students in their late teens and early twenties are frequently at elevated risk of Hepatitis B due to activities like unprotected sex, needle sharing, and other high-risk behaviors. These behaviors are common among young adults and can be reduced through suitable education and health programs. However, deficiencies in knowledge and misconceptions about transmission and prevention may stop students from implementing effective safeguards. By measuring current knowledge, attitudes, and practices at Taraba State University, this research will offer a thorough picture of how students view Hepatitis B risks and the obstacles they encounter in practicing prevention.

Furthermore, the study’s findings will enhance overall understanding of how Nigerian youth perceive infectious diseases like Hepatitis B and how these perceptions shape their health-related actions. This matters because young people form a large segment of the population, and their behaviors greatly affect the spread of diseases such as Hepatitis B. Such insights will be highly useful for developing health education programs suited to this group.

The results will also establish a basis for additional research on infectious disease prevention in Nigerian universities. The information produced can shape policies on student health education, prompting universities to incorporate more thorough health training and screening into academic programs and campus services. Moreover, the study can support national and regional public health efforts to decrease Hepatitis B and other preventable illnesses, advancing the wider objective of better public health in Nigeria. Over time, these findings can help lessen the growing impact of Hepatitis B in the country and lead to improved health results and greater public awareness.

1.7 Scope of the Study

1.8 Definition of Concepts

Hepatitis B: A viral infection that targets the liver and leads to both acute and chronic illness. It spreads via contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected individual.

Prevention: Measures or actions intended to lower the chance of acquiring Hepatitis B, including vaccination, safe sexual practices, and avoiding the sharing of needles or personal items.

Knowledge: The level of understanding or awareness students possess about Hepatitis B transmission, symptoms, and prevention methods. This is evaluated by how accurately students respond to questions on the disease and its prevention.

Attitudes: The opinions, feelings, or beliefs students hold about Hepatitis B prevention. This encompasses their views on the disease’s severity, personal susceptibility, and the usefulness of preventive actions.

Practices: The real-world behaviors and actions students perform to avoid Hepatitis B infection, such as receiving the vaccine, using condoms, or steering clear of high-risk situations.

University Students: Undergraduates enrolled full-time in academic programs at Taraba State University, Jalingo.

Vaccine: A biological product that stimulates active acquired immunity against a specific infectious disease in this instance, Hepatitis B.

Blood-borne Transmission: The spread of a pathogen via blood or other bodily fluids, for example through shared needles or unprotected sexual contact with an infected person.