Amith Holenarasipur Vasanthakumar - Associate Professor, Department of Public Health Dentistry, People’s College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
Audrey Madonna D’Cruz - Lecturer, Department of Public Health Dentistry, A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, ‎Nitte University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), a DNA virus with a human-only reservoir, is a worldwide public health problem. Approximately ۴۵.۰% of the world’s population is considered to live in areas of high endemicity with a lifetime risk of infection of more than ۶۰.۰%. The present study aimed to assess the level of understanding and awareness about Hepatitis B immunization among the first and second year dental students at a private dental institution in Mangalore, Karnataka, India.METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out using a self-administered pretested questionnaire containing ۱۰ questions on awareness about prevention and transmission, diagnosis and treatment of Hepatitis B, vaccination status of hepatitis B, and awareness of students regarding post exposure prophylaxis. Descriptive analysis was carried out and was presented as number. Student’s t-test was used to determine any significant differences between the genders, and year of study.RESULTS: The response rate was ۱۰۰% (n = ۱۷۹). About ۵۹.۷% of the students were aware of the Hepatitis B infection and its effects. Majority of the students (۹۱.۰%) were immunized by hepatitis B vaccine. Majority of the students (۹۶.۰%) felt it was necessary to be immunized against the Hepatitis B virus. About ۶۹.۸% of the students were aware of post exposure prophylaxis against Hepatitis B. A vast majority (۹۶.۰%) of the students felt that awareness about immunization against Hepatitis B among the community is necessary.CONCLUSION: Majority of the students are aware of Hepatitis B, its infection, its vaccination, and its importance.

Immunization, awareness, Hepatitis B Virus, Infection, Post Exposure Prophylaxis