Evaluation of the Awareness about Hepatitis B among Dental Students of Mazandaran University of MedicalEvaluation of the Awareness about Hepatitis B among Dental Students of Mazandaran University of Medical

Background & Objectives: Hepatitis B is a primary viral infection of the liver, which could be transferred through saliva and blood. Hepatitis B is highly transmissible therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the awareness about this disease among dental students of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences in ۲۰۱۲-۲۰۱۳. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on all dental students of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected using questionnaires, and data analysis was performed using SPSS ۱۵. Results: This study was performed on ۹۰ dental students (۴۵ male and ۴۵ female) admitted from ۲۰۰۸ to ۲۰۱۲. Approximately ۹۰% of the students stated a virus to be the hepatitis agent and ۱۰۰% were aware that the liver is the most involved organ in this disease. In addition, the majority of the students cited the use of common syringe and toothbrush to be a cause of hepatitis transmission, while ۸۰% believed that the disease is transmitted through dental waste. There was a significant correlation between the semester of study (P=۰.۰۱۸) and the level of awareness accordingly, the awareness of the students increased in higher semesters. However, no significant relationship was observed between the awareness of male and female students (P=۰.۹۲۹). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, knowledge and attitudes of students toward hepatitis B are within the moderate range. Since dental work is a risk factor for the transmission of hepatitis B, it is recommended that students be educated on the causes and prevention of this disease through training courses.

Keywords:

Awareness , Dental students , Hepatitis B , آگاهی , دانشجویان دندا نپزشکی , هپاتیت B