Prevalence and factors associated with hepatitis B vaccine uptake among undergraduate medical students in Tanzania: A cross-sectional study.

BackgroundHepatitis B virus remains a major global public health concern, responsible for significant morbidity and mortality due to complications such as chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatitis B virus prevalence remains high in many developing countries, including Tanzania, where it is estimated to be 7.17%. Medical students are particularly vulnerable to hepatitis B virus infection because of occupational exposure, including needle-stick injuries and contact with infected blood or body fluids during clinical training. Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure against hepatitis B virus infection; however, vaccine coverage among medical students remains suboptimal.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess hepatitis B virus vaccine uptake and identify factors influencing vaccination among medical students in Tanzania to inform strategies for improving vaccination coverage.MethodsAn analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2025 among undergraduate clinical-year medical students at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to assess hepatitis B virus vaccine uptake and its associated factors. A total of 343 students participated in the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to determine vaccination coverage, and regression analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (International Business Machines Corporation) version 28 to identify factors associated with vaccine uptake. Ethical approval was obtained from the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences Institutional Review Board, and written informed consent was obtained from all participants before data collection. Participants' confidentiality and anonymity were ensured throughout the study.ResultsAmong the 343 participants, most were aged 20-24 years (61.8%), were male (65.0%), and were in their fifth (final) year of study (53.4%). Overall, 78.1% had received at least one dose of the hepatitis B vaccine, but only 42.2% had completed the full vaccination schedule. The main reason for incomplete vaccination was awaiting subsequent doses (75%). Approximately all students (98%) had been informed about the importance of hepatitis B vaccination. Multivariable analysis showed that female sex (adjusted odds ratio = 1.99, p = 0.014), prior information about the importance of vaccination (adjusted odds ratio = 3.35, p = 0.004), previous hepatitis B testing (adjusted odds ratio = 3.14, p < 0.001), and fear of contracting hepatitis B (adjusted odds ratio = 2.39, p = 0.028) were independently associated with vaccine uptake.ConclusionHepatitis B virus vaccine uptake among medical students was significantly associated with vaccine awareness, perceived risk of infection, and prior hepatitis B testing, whereas scheduling conflicts, vaccine cost, and vaccine unavailability acted as barriers to vaccination. Strengthening awareness and addressing structural barriers are important for improving vaccination coverage.