Knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding hepatitis B infection among dental interns of a private dental college in Pune, India: A questionnaire study

BACKGROUND AND AIM: In a dental office, infections can be transmitted through several routes such as direct or indirect contact with blood, oral fluids, droplet spatter, aerosols, etc. Despite the introduction of various programs and strategies, misconceptions about the transmission of hepatitis B, prophylaxis, and vaccination remain widespread. Such lack of knowledge may create fear or discrimination toward dental management of hepatitis B positive patients; hence, it is essential to assess dental interns’ understanding of the hepatitis B disease. This study was undertaken to evaluate the awareness regarding hepatitis B virus infection amongst the interns of Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Pimpri, Pune, India.METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out on ۸۴ interns using a self- administered questionnaire with questions regarding the knowledge, infection control measures, and post exposure protocols of hepatitis B infection. The collected data were analyzed using IBM SPSS software version ۲۱.RESULTS: The mean age of the respondents was ۲۲.۴۲ years. About ۱۷.۸۶% of the respondents were male and ۸۲.۱۴% were female. The results showed that ۷۱.۴% of the interns had moderate knowledge regarding hepatitis B. Only ۴۴.۰۴% of the interns were aware of the correct incubation period of the disease, whereas ۵۷.۱۴% of the interns were aware of the correct vaccination dosing schedule. About ۱۷.۸۶% of the interns were unaware that post-exposure prophylaxis is available for hepatitis B.CONCLUSION: Although majority of the interns displayed moderate knowledge and good clinical practice behavior, vast improvements still need to be made with regard to the awareness of the disease itself as well as the responsibility of all dentists to prevent cross-contamination and to do no harm.

Keywords:

Knowledge , Attitude , Hepatitis B , Communicable Diseases , Infection Control , cross-sectional studies