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. 2025 Mar 18;10(2):e283.
doi: 10.1097/j.pbj.0000000000000283. eCollection 2025 Mar-Apr.

Prevalence and associated factors of COVID-19 among biomedical science students of Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

Moore I Mike-Ogburia  1   2 , Gift M Hart  1 , Barynem Vito-Peter  1 , Aisha Dio  1 , Victory C Nwogu  1
Affiliations

Prevalence and associated factors of COVID-19 among biomedical science students of Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

Moore I Mike-Ogburia et al. Porto Biomed J. .

Abstract

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has profoundly affected global health, emphasizing the need to assess specific populations such as university students to better understand the prevalence of the infection and its determinants. This study investigated the prevalence and associated factors of COVID-19 among biomedical science students at Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 220 students from March to August 2022. Data collection was performed using interviewer-administered questionnaires while COVID-19 infection was screened using the Panbio™ COVID-19 Ag Rapid Test Device. Data analysis involved both descriptive and inferential statistics, with statistical significance set at P ≤ .05.

Results: The prevalence of COVID-19 was 11.4% (95% CI: 7.8-16.2). Significant associations were observed between COVID-19 prevalence and facemask use, handwashing practices, use of sanitizers, and nature of accommodation. However, in the multivariable analysis, only noncompliance with facemask use was identified as a significant independent predictor of COVID-19 infection (aOR = 4.350, 95% CI: 1.379-14.13, P = .0124).

Conclusion: The study highlights a concerning prevalence of COVID-19 among biomedical science students. Tailored public health strategies are essential, emphasizing compliance with preventive measures as a means to mitigate COVID-19 transmission within this crucial demographic.

Keywords: COVID-19; Rivers State University; SARS-CoV-2; associated factors; biomedical science; medical laboratory science.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: none.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
A, Map of Rivers State highlighting Port Harcourt (study area); (B) map of Nigeria highlighting Rivers State; (C) map of Africa highlighting Nigeria.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Prevalence of COVID-19 among study participants.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
General symptoms within 14 days as reported by study participants.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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