Awareness vaccination gap in Hepatitis B among first-year MBBS students: a cross-sectional study

Background: Hepatitis B is a major infectious disease, causing liver inflammation that may progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and vaccination rates for Hepatitis B among medical students, as they are at a higher occupational risk due to frequent patient contact. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2025 among first-year MBBS students (academic year 2024-2025) at a medical college in Gujarat. Participants completed a structured questionnaire on hepatitis B vaccination history with documentation, modes of transmission routes and prevention, attitudes toward vaccination, reasons for non-compliance and willingness to be vaccinated. Results: Of the 204 eligible students, 151 participated (74.0%). Most correctly identified major transmission routes, though gaps remained regarding unprotected sex, occupational exposures, tattooing and perinatal spread, with some misconceptions regarding casual contact and airborne transmission. Leading reasons for non-vaccination were lack of awareness (51.7%) and missed doses (26.5%), followed by unavailability, fear of side effects and reported allergy. Awareness for the need for hepatitis B vaccination was high (89.4%), yet only 20.0% had completed the three doses, 22.5% had received at least one dose, 40.0% were unsure of their status and nearly one-third were unvaccinated; none could provide documentation. Conclusions: Although most students recognized the importance of Hepatitis B virus vaccination and occupational risk, a substantial proportion remained partially vaccinated or unvaccinated, with gaps in awareness regarding modes of transmission. These findings underscore the need for targeted sensitization sessions, accessible institutional vaccination programs and proper documentation of vaccination history.