Exploring the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Hepatitis B Infection Among Dental Students in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Shahabe Saquib; Weam Ibrahim; Ali Othman; Mohammed Assiri; Hamoud Al-Shahri; Ali Al-Qarni

doi:10.3889/oamjms.2019.111

Authors

Shahabe Saquib Department of Periodontics and Community Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
Weam Ibrahim Department of Periodontics and Community Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
Ali Othman College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
Mohammed Assiri College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
Hamoud Al-Shahri College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
Ali Al-Qarni College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2019.111

Keywords:

Hepatitis B infection, Dental students, Dental interns, Survey, cross infection, Prevention.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B infection is a universal health problem. Worldwide, 5% of health-care-related injections continued unsafe. Dentist considers being at high-risk group for cross infection. Therefore, their knowledge and practice towards Hepatitis B virus (HBV) positive patients should be at an optimal level.

AIM: The current study is aimed to evaluate and comparison of the knowledge, attitude and practice of Saudi dental students and interns towards HBV infection.

METHODS: A self-explanatory questionnaire comprising of 16 questions was designed to assess and compare studentsâ€™ knowledge, attitude and risk perception regarding hepatitis B infection among dental students across Saudi Arabia.

RESULTS: The response rate was 91.6% the overall knowledge of the participants was poor. The attitude was fair, with the female show a significant difference in attitude and practice (P-value < 0.05). The overall practice was good, 78.1% was vaccinated against HBV, and 73.2% stated that they regularly use personal protection equipment. The higher levels show a good attitude and practice compared with the lower levels; the difference was significant (P value < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The overall knowledge was below average, continuous health education courses are mandatory.

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