July 2022
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Objective The aim of our study was to determine the extent of exposure of the student population to SARS-CoV-2 and its associated factors. 166 students were enrolled in our study representing a 100% response rate. Results The SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence in the sampled student population was 78%. Gender of the respondents was a significant modulator of SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity (p < 0.05). Adherence to the institution’s SARS-CoV-2 containment measures by students was very low (6.6%) which numerically amplified the seropositivity among students. There were proportional differences in the use of a particular Covid-19 mitigation strategy by the students such as face masks (60.2%), hand sanitizers (38.6%), Social distancing (25.9%), handwashing with soap (7.8%) and self-isolation (5.4%) (Cochran Q = 155.39, p < 0.001). Our study has shown a very high exposure to SARS-CoV-2 among students which positively suggests a near attainment of herd immunity and negatively unreliability of the current mitigation measures. We recommend such evidence-based results should guide policy directions and decisions in the current and future pandemics.