A survey of hepatitis B immune status of Taibah University medical students

ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the immune status of Taibah University medical students against HBV, and the possible host factors related to the poor response to a previously-administered hepatitis-B vaccine.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted which included all 3rd year medical students of Taibah University. One hundred and five responded to a self-administered questionnaire. At the same time, a blood sample analysis was performed for hepatitis B markers (HBs Ag, HBcAb, and HBs Ab) of the participants.ResultsOf the total number of respondents, only 36.2% were aware that they received a hepatitis-B vaccine, 52.4% were not sure they received it, and 11.4% were not aware of receiving it. Of all, the hepatitis B markers showed that only 16 students (15.2%) had protective levels against the disease, while the rest showed negative markers, and only one student was immune due to past infection. Students with protective titers often had a family history for hepatitis B or a positive history of contact with a known case.ConclusionThe low prevalence of HBV protective levels in Taibah University medical students needs further research and mandates implementation of a screening program and vaccination for all non-immune health care students.