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

## TL;DR

This study found an 11.4% prevalence of COVID-19 among biomedical students in Nigeria, with noncompliance with facemask use being a key risk factor.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the prevalence and risk factors of COVID-19 among biomedical science students in Nigeria.

## Key findings

- The prevalence of COVID-19 among students was 11.4%.
- Noncompliance with facemask use was a significant independent predictor of infection.
- Other hygiene practices showed associations but were not significant in multivariable analysis.

## Abstract

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text.

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.

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.

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).

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.