Hepatitis B Virus Immunity Status and Booster Dose Efficacy in Health Sciences Students: An Interventional Study

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses a significant health risk for healthcare workers (HCWs) and students due to occupational exposure to blood and body fluids. Objectives: This study investigated the immunity status of health sciences students and evaluated the efficacy of a booster dose for individuals with insufficient Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) titers (< 10 mIU/mL). Methods: This interventional study was conducted at Aja University of Medical Sciences between January 2023 and January 2024. A total of 356 health sciences students from various fields participated in the study. Hepatitis B surface antibody levels were measured initially, and individuals with insufficient titers received a booster dose. Hepatitis B surface antibody levels were re-evaluated four weeks after the booster dose. Participants were categorized based on their anti-HBs levels, and chi-square and t-tests were used for statistical comparisons. Results: Nearly all participants had received the hepatitis B vaccine during infancy. Among the total participants, 249 individuals (69.9%) demonstrated sufficient antibody levels (≥ 10 mIU/mL), while 107 participants (30.1%) had insufficient levels (< 10 mIU/mL). Of the 107 participants with inadequate antibody levels, 96 returned for follow-up testing after the booster dose. Among these, 93 individuals (96.9%) achieved sufficient antibody levels (≥ 10 mIU/mL), while three participants (3.1%) continued to show insufficient levels (< 10 mIU/mL). Conclusions: A considerable proportion of health sciences students in this study exhibited insufficient anti-HBs titers (< 10 mIU/mL). The administration of a booster dose effectively restored sufficient antibody levels in 96.9% of the affected participants. Greater emphasis should be placed on monitoring and maintaining the hepatitis B immunity status of health sciences students. Further research is needed to understand immunity dynamics and the impact of booster doses in high-risk populations.