Is Hepatitis B the case at higher learning institutions? awareness and response from students at Sokoine University of Agriculture
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Date
2026
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
East African Nature & Science Organization (EANSO)
Abstract
Employing a convergent parallel research design and the social ecological model,
the study investigated students’ awareness of Hepatitis B and the vaccine at
Sokoine University of Agriculture. This is due to the high prevalence of the
mentioned disease despite different efforts to contain it under the World Health
Organization and health ministries of different countries, including Tanzania. A
sample of 168 finalist students aged from 21 to 30 situated at the university hostels
and the key informants from the SUA Health Department were involved in the
study. A desk review method was used to collect data of the same from different
studies conducted at higher learning institutions. The study found that 68.30% of
the students were not aware of hepatitis B in terms of its transmission, prevention
and cure. The study also found that most of the respondents had little understanding
of the Hepatitis B vaccine in terms of dosage per person’s age. Moreover, results
from the desk review revealed that students from health institutions were also
lacking knowledge on Hepatitis B, while some had the notion that providing the
vaccine was among the ways of accelerating unsafe sexual activities. The study
concludes that knowledge on Hepatitis B and vaccination compliance at higher
learning institutions is minimal despite the huge interaction, which could facilitate
learning as stipulated in the social ecological model. It is recommended that health
departments within institutions should introduce awareness campaigns and other
applicable strategies to raise awareness on health issues, including Hepatitis B and
other communicable and non-communicable diseases.
Description
Original Article
Keywords
Social Ecological Model, Hepatitis B, Awareness, Hepatitis B vaccine, Students’ responsiveness
Citation
https://doi.org/10.37284/eajis.9.1.4848