Hepatitis B vaccine: Sero-protection and awareness among medical students at Suez University | ||
| Microbes and Infectious Diseases | ||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 26 October 2025 | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/mid.2025.418424.3260 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Fatma Rageh1; Mahmoud Mohamed Sheded1; Yosra Saeed Abdalla* 2; Tayseer Metwally Mostafa3; Rasha Mohamed Fawzy3; Dalia Ghareeb4; Mohamed Mahmoud Elhoseeny5; Mohamed Medhat1; Tarek Mostafa Ibrahim1 | ||
| 1Department of Infectious disease, gastroenterology and hepatology, faculty of medicine , Suez University, Suez, Egypt | ||
| 2Department of public health, community, occupational and environmental medicine, faculty of medicine, Suez University, Suez, Egypt | ||
| 3Department of Family medicine, Faculty of medicine, Suez university, Suez, Egypt | ||
| 4Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez University, P.O.Box: 43221, Suez, Egypt | ||
| 5Department of internal medicine, faculty of medicine , Suez University, Suez, Egypt | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a significant occupational hazard for healthcare workers, particularly in high-endemic regions like Egypt. Although universal infant immunization against HBV has been implemented for decades, the persistence of vaccine-induced immunity into adulthood remains uncertain. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) seroprotection and associated factors including sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, and knowledge levels among medical students at Suez University. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students at Suez university in Egypt. Participants completed a structured questionnaire covering vaccination history, risk factors, and knowledge about HBV. HBsAb titer were assessed by ELISA to determine Sero protection, titers with ≥10 mIU/mL considered protective. Results: A substantial proportion of students were found to lack protective antibody levels (79.4%). Also, no significant associations were observed between antibody titers and sociodemographic factors, chronic illnesses, or previous surgeries. Additionally, notable gaps in knowledge and misconceptions regarding HBV transmission and prevention were identified. Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for routine HBsAb titers screening and consideration of booster doses or revaccination among medical students before clinical training. Targeted educational interventions are also essential to improve HBV awareness and reduce occupational risk in this vulnerable group. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Hepatitis B vaccine; sero-protection; awareness; medical students | ||
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