Abstract
Objectives: This 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.
Methods: A 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.
Results: Of 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.
Conclusion: The 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.