ASSESSMENT OF HEPATITIS B VACCINATION COVERAGE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE NURSING STUDENTS IN KARACHI, PAKISTAN: A DESCRIPTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Keywords:
Hepatitis B, Vaccination Coverage, Nursing Students, Occupational Exposure, Immunization Barriers, Karachi, Pakistan.Abstract
Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major global public health concern and a significant occupational hazard for healthcare personnel, particularly nursing students undergoing clinical training. Vaccination provides reliable protection, yet coverage among nursing trainees in low- and middle-income countries remains suboptimal.
Objective: To assess hepatitis B vaccination coverage, level of complete dosing, and identified barriers among undergraduate nursing students in Karachi, Pakistan.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted across public and private nursing institutes in Karachi, Pakistan, from June to December 2024. A sample of 362 undergraduate nursing students was recruited using clustered sampling. Data were collected via a structured, pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire evaluating demographics, HBV vaccination history, dosage completion, timing of immunization, and barriers to vaccination. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 20.0.
Results: Out of 362 respondents (51% male, 49% female), overall HBV vaccination coverage (at least one dose) was 35% (n=127), whereas 65% (n=235) had never received any HBV vaccine. Only 12% (n=43) of all participants completed the recommended three-dose schedule, 14% (n=51) received two doses, and 9% (n=33) received a single dose. Among vaccinated individuals, only 30% (n=108/362 total cohort basis) received vaccination prior to clinical exposure, while 70% was exposed before immunization. Primary reported barriers to non-vaccination included lack of awareness/knowledge (63.6%), non-availability of free institutional vaccines (44%), and time constraints (24%). Knowledge regarding HBV transmission via blood/body fluids (90%) and needle-stick injuries (90.5%) was generally high.
Conclusion: HBV vaccination coverage among undergraduate nursing students in Karachi is critically inadequate, leaving the majority vulnerable to occupational HBV infection. Educational campaigns alone are insufficient; mandatory pre-clinical immunization policies and institutional provision of free vaccines are urgently required.
