TITLE:
Knowledge and Vaccination Coverage against Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) in Brazzaville Universities
AUTHORS:
Jile Florient Mimiesse, Mauria Gilga Ibobi, Jospeh Bovane Molami, Clausina Mikolélé Ahoui Apendi, Christ Massamba, Ngala Akoa Itoua-Ngaporo, Marlyse Ngalessami, Arnaud Mongo Onkouo, Céline Sandra Adoua, Hostaud Atipo Ibara, Rody Stéphane Ngami, Péres Motoula Latou, Deby Gassaye, Blaise Irénée Atipo Ibara
KEYWORDS:
Viral Hepatitis B, Knowledge, Immunization Coverage, Students, Brazzaville
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Gastroenterology,
Vol.15 No.10,
October
9,
2025
ABSTRACT: Objective: To evaluate knowledge and vaccination coverage against HBV in a university environment in Brazzaville. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted over six months in the institutions of the University Marien Ngouabi and private higher education institutions of Brazzaville. The variables studied were socio-demographic characteristics, HBV knowledge, HBV screening, and vaccination coverage. Results: 825 students participated in the study, with a participation rate of 96.2%. Male subjects accounted for 39% (n = 322) and females 61% (n = 503), with a sex ratio of 0.64. The average age was 22.6 years ± 2.9, with extremes ranging from 17 to 49 years old. Knowledge about the existence of HBV was 58.8% (n = 485) versus 41.2% (n = 340). This knowledge was statistically significant among students attending public institutions compared to those attending private institutions (P = 0.003). The statement on vaccination was very low, at 3.8% (N = 32). The main reasons for the lack of vaccination were ignorance and neglect. Conclusion: Our work shows not only a low level of knowledge about HBV but also a low rate of vaccination coverage for students in Brazzaville.