Determinants of Non-Compliance to Hepatitis B Vaccination among Students of Kenya Medical Training College in Machakos Sub County, Kenya

Abstract

In Sub-Saharan Africa, the prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is high, with an estimated 70 to 90% of the population becoming infected before the age of 40. Healthcare workers (HCWs), including healthcare students (HCSs), face an increased risk of HBV infection due to their occupational exposure. HCSs, in particular, are vulnerable to the disease due to their limited experience with infection control measures and insufficient knowledge about the risks associated with treating patients. This study aimed to assess the level of awareness of HBV vaccination among students in KMTC in Machakos Sub County, determine the compliance with the Hepatitis B vaccination schedule among students in Kenya Medical Training Colleges in Machakos County, evaluate attitudes towards Hepatitis B immunization among students in KMTC in Machakos Sub County, and establish the existence of institutional measures to ensure the implementation of HBV vaccination policies for students in KMTC in Machakos County. The research utilized a cross-sectional descriptive study design, employing a mixed approach with both quantitative and qualitative data collection among KMTC students to identify the factors influencing noncompliance with the HBV vaccine. The study was conducted at the Kenya Medical Training Colleges in Machakos County, specifically at the Machakos and Manza campuses. The majority of the respondents in the study reported being aware of Hepatitis B virus infection, with 301 (76.1%) indicating they had heard about it, while 93 (23.6%) had not. Among the KMTC students, the primary mode of Hepatitis B virus transmission identified was contact with the blood of an infected person, as reported by 98 (24.9%) respondents. Contact with body fluids contaminated by the blood of an infected person and sexual transmission were also recognized as significant modes of transmission, with frequencies of 74 (18.8%) and 71 (18.0%) respectively. The findings indicate a high level of awareness of HBV vaccination among students in KMTC in Machakos Sub County, with the majority of students possessing sufficient knowledge on the subject. Needle stick injuries were identified as the most likely route of disease transmission, highlighting the risk that medical students face when attending to patients in hospitals. Therefore, it is crucial for medical students to diligently adhere to the Hepatitis B vaccination schedule. Encouraging a culture of mutual support among medical students to get vaccinated as a preventive measure against acquiring the disease is recommended. Furthermore, KMTC should establish standardized guidelines and policies to ensure the implementation of HBV vaccination measures.