Published in PLOS One on 2026-03-04, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Elizabeth Shoyemi, Ojore Godday Aghedo, Collins Obi, Chukwuebuka Peter Kelvin Uwaoma, Oluwafisayomi S Azeez, Okikiola Oyeniyi, Jason Blackard
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0321434
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Hepatitis-B-Virus (HBV) remains an important global public health concern, as well as a primary cause of both acute and chronic liver diseases, with over 18 million people infected by the virus in Nigeria. This study evaluated the impact of HIV status, age, and gender of high-risk populations on HBV vaccination adherence and completion rate in Lagos state, Nigeria. A retrospective study design was utilized to access the clinic data of 641 study participants who participated in the HBV program at the one-stop-shop clinic between June 2021 to June 2024. Data on age, HIV status, gender, population type, and the date of each dose of administered vaccine were recorded. To estimate the odds-ratios (ORs) and adjusted-ORs at 95% confidence intervals (CIs), bivariate/multivariate logistic regression models were utilized, and the association between age, gender, HIV status, and HBV vaccination adherence and the completion rate was examined. The study participants had a mean age of 21.7 ± 8.8 years and were composed of 510 (79.6%) males, 131 (20.4%) females; 162 (25.3%) participants living with HIV, 423 (66.0%) HIV-negative participants, 500 (78.0%) MSM, and 115 (17.9%) FSW. The overall vaccination completion rate was 45.4%, with significant variation by age group (p = 0.004). The highest completion rates were observed among participants aged 30–34 years (58.4%) and 35–39 years (57.8%), while younger participants aged 15–29 had lower adherence. Gender and HIV status were not independently associated with vaccination completion (p > 0.05). Age was the only factor significantly affecting completion (AOR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.23, 3.03). HBV vaccination coverage in high-risk populations is low in Lagos State. This suggests that the HBV vaccination program in the state is still facing significant challenges. Creating awareness about HBV infection and strengthening the availability, accessibility, and cost effectiveness of HBV service uptake will enhance the program's success.
Introduction
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) remains an important global public health concern, as well as a primary cause of both acute and chronic liver diseases [1]. Late detection and poor management of HBV infection can lead to life-threatening complications like the liver cancer also called hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), liver cirrhosis, and eventual death [2]. The transmission routes for HBV are essentially the same as those of HIV, which include contact with infected blood or body fluids, unsafe injections, exposures to contaminated sharp instruments, and mostly through mother-to-child-transmission (MTCT) during birth [1,3]. More than 250 million people lived with HBV in 2022, causing more than 1 million deaths in the same year, a decline from over 1.2 million deaths recorded in 2015, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) [1]. However, there are safe, readily accessible, and effective vaccines for preventing HBV in both children and adults [2,4].
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider financing & policy desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Elizabeth Shoyemi, Ojore Godday Aghedo, Collins Obi, Chukwuebuka Peter Kelvin Uwaoma, Oluwafisayomi S Azeez, Okikiola Oyeniyi, Jason Blackard. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
Explore connected evidence
- Evidence brief: Hepatitis B immunity and vaccine completion among adults at increased risk for hepatitis B infection in Zambia
- Evidence brief: Decomposing socioeconomic inequalities in COVID-19 vaccination uptake among Nigerian women of reproductive age: A further analysis of population-based data
- Evidence brief: Tertiary-care management of TB/HIV co-infection in Port Harcourt, Nigeria: A retrospective cohort analysis
