Knowledge, attitude and practices toward prevention of hepatitis B virus infection among dental students at university of Benghazi

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B poses a major health concern and is the world’s most common blood borne viral infection placing dental professionals at higher occupational risk. Aims and objectives: To investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding the prevention of hepatitis B virus infection among dental students at university of Benghazi. Material and Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among dental students of university of Benghazi registered in academic year of 2018/2019. Data analysis was in the form of frequency and percentage and chisquare test were done. Results: The study included 500 dental Students. The response rate was 73.5%, 79% were females. Overall, the participants showed good level of knowledge about HBV-related issues. level of knowledge regarding mode of HBV transmission was found to be fairly acceptable percentage , the subjects showed positive attitude. Also the response of dental students to the use of personal protective equipment was adequate and 93% of the students were vaccinated. Conclusions: The students had reasonable knowledge, positive attitude and good practices towards HBV. Areas of insufficient knowledge needed to be reinforced included some modes of transmission of HBV, and last comprehensive extended sampling of dental students from all the dental collages as well as medical, nursing schools should be recommended in the future not only for HBV but all the infectious diseases especially on the COVID 19.