Knowledge, risk perception and utilization of hepatitis B vaccine among youths in a semi-urban area in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria

Introduction and aim. Hepatitis B is a chronic liver disease responsible for high morbidity and mortality. Despite the availability of hepatitis B vaccine, the incidence of disease is increasing. This study was designed to investigate the knowledge, risk perception, and utilization of hepatitis B vaccine among youths in the Ido Local Government Area, Oyo state, Nigeria. Material and methods. A cross-sectional survey design was adapted, and 422 consenting youths were recruited. A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. A 19-point knowledge scale was used; scores ≤6, >6–12, and >12– 19 were considered poor, fair and good knowledge, respectively. Risk perception was measured on a 14-point scale, with scores ≤7 and >7 as poor and good, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square and Fisher’s exact at α0.05. Results. Respondents were 26.6±3.5 years, and 56.2% were females. Only 13.7% had good knowledge of hepatitis B, and 53.2% had a good perception of hepatitis B infection. Moreover, 48.9% had received at least one dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine. A significant association existed between knowledge, risk perception and utilization of hepatitis B vaccine. Conclusion. Knowledge and utilization of hepatitis B vaccine were low among the respondents. Health education programs in the study area are crucial to improving hepatitis B vaccine utilization among youth.