TY - BOOK AU - Hadija, A. Salega AU - Mariam, Mirambo AU - Martha, F. Mushi AU - Stephen, E. Mshana TI - Prevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Associated Factors Among Undergraduate Students of the Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences Mwanza Tanzania PY - 2016/// CY - Mwanza, Tanzania: PB - Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences [CUHAS – Bugando] : KW - N2 - Abstract: Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been described as major public health problem especially in high risk groups such as health care workers and students in related fields. HBV infections can progress to serious liver disease such as hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis. Despite its importance there is limited data on its magnitude among undergraduate students in this setting. Objectives: This study was designed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg) among undergraduate students at CUHAS-Bugando, Mwanza, Tanzania. Methodology: Cross sectional study involving 1241 undergraduate students was conducted between April and July 2016. Social demographic information and medical history of the study participants was collected in a plain tube and serum was extracted for detection of HbsAg by using HbsAg rapid test strip. Data were analysed by using STATA version 11 software. Results: The median age of enrolled participants was 22 (IQR: 21-24) years. The prevalence of HbsAg was 40 (3.22%), 95% CI: 0.02-0.04). On multivariate logistic regression analysis sharing/reusing blades (AQR: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.07-3.96, P=0.030), needles (AQR: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.01-0.76, P=0.028) and syringes (AQR: 7.52, 95% CI: 1.15-49.09, P=0.035) were found predict HbsAg positivity among undergraduate students at CUHAS. Conclusion: Considerable proportion of medical students at CUHAS are HbsAg positive which calls for the need to introduce screening and vaccination programmes for newly recruited students each year to prevent sequels that may be associated with HBV infection. ER -