Knowledge, attitude and practices regarding hepatitis B and infection control among clinical dental students

Abstract

Background: Cross infection has become a paramount concern for the health care professionals who deals with mucosa, blood or blood contaminated with bodily fluids. HBV infection is the most important infectious occupational hazard in the dental profession and dental surgeons are at a great risk of exposure to hepatitis due to numerous encounters involving the use and disposal of sharps instruments. Aims and objectives: To assess the knowledge, Attitude and Practices regarding Hepatitis B and Infection control among clinical dental students. Methods: A cross-sectional, self- administered questionnaire survey consisting of 24 questions. The study population comprises of Intern, Final year and Third year clinical under graduate students from various dental institutions covering the states of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh in India. The data extracted were tabulated, statistically analyzed and results are obtained. Results were calculated on the basis of frequency and percentages using SPSS. Results: Result of the present study shows that the level of knowledge and attitude regarding hepatitis B and infection control among the clinical dental students are fairly satisfactory, although, the practices towards hepatitis B and infection control are reasonably good. The level of knowledge was good among interns and final-year students compared with third year students.Conclusion: There is a need to provide formal and obligatory education about Hepatitis B infection, its transmission, prevention along with update on infection control practices for the health care providers. It is important that the dental students be aware of the risks and the seriousness of infection.