Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a global public health concern, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Health science students are at high risk of exposure during clinical training. However, there is limited evidence on their vaccination coverage in Somaliland. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of Hepatitis B vaccination among health science students in Burao, Somaliland. A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to September 2025 among 332 health science students from seven universities in Burao. Participants were selected using a stratified random sampling method. Data were collected through a structured, self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using STATA. Descriptive statistics summarized participants' characteristics, while multivariable logistic regression analyses identified factors associated with Hepatitis B vaccination. Only 12.3% of students were vaccinated against hepatitis B. The main barriers to vaccination were cost (55.1%), lack of information (18.7%), and limited access (17.2%). Factors significantly associated with vaccination status included income, knowledge, attitude, and preventive practices. Students with medium income were eight times more likely to be vaccinated. Those with poor preventive practices had markedly lower odds of vaccination. The study revealed alarmingly low hepatitis B vaccination coverage among health science students in Burao, despite good knowledge and positive attitudes toward HBV prevention. Financial constraints, limited awareness, and accessibility barriers were major obstacles. Targeted interventions such as subsidized vaccines, awareness campaigns, and mandatory vaccination policies for students entering clinical practice are urgently needed to ensure protection against HBV.
Yousuf et al. (Thu,) studied this question.