Connaissance et couverture vaccinale contre l’hépatite virale B (HVB) : étude transversale parmi les étudiants de l’université de Cocody, Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

BackgroundTo evaluate knowledge about hepatitis B and vaccination coverage among students at Cocody's University, Ivory Coast. Materials and methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted during the academic year 2005–2006 (2557 students). Parameters were collected by interview using a survey chart. Factors influencing knowledge and vaccination against hepatitis B were analyzed by logistic regression. ResultsThe majority of students (n=1174, 69.4% [95% CI 68–71]) knew about hepatitis B. Only 17.5% and 26.1% of students respectively were aware of sexual and blood transmission. None of the students were aware of maternal-fetal transmission. Factors associated with knowledge of hepatitis B were enrollment in health sciences (Odds Ratio=24.19 [95% CI 8.65–76.63]) and having a scholarship (Odds Ratio=2.34 [95% CI 1.54–3.56]). Vaccination coverage against hepatitis B was low (Odds Ratio=3.7% [95% CI 3–4]). Factors associated with vaccination were: knowledge of hepatitis B (Odds Ratio=6.83 [95% CI 4.57–10.27]), enrollment in health sciences (Odds Ratio=3.59 [95% CI 2.60–4.96]), marriage (Odds Ratio=2.04 [95% CI 1.13–3.64]) and having a scholarship (Odds Ratio=1.60 [95% CI 1.09–2.35]). ConclusionKnowledge and vaccination coverage against hepatitis B among students at Cocody's University is low. Students should be given information about hepatitis B and access to free vaccination. Students enrolled in health sciences should be vaccinated before admission because of specific risks of contamination, for themselves and for their patients.