KNOWLEDGE, AWARENESS, AND PROTECTIVE PRACTICES OFHEPATITIS B VIRUS AND INFECTION CONTROLMEASURES AMONGST DENTAL STUDENTS

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and level of practice regarding infection control amongst dental students. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among dental students of Baqai Dental College Karachi from 1st September to 20th February 2019. Ethical approval was obtained from the ethical review board of the University. Dental students of all Professionals (1st year, 2nd year, 3rd year, final year) were invited to participate in the study. Data was entered and analyzed for frequency and percentages using IBM statistical packages for social sciences (SPSS) software version 22. Results: Students have a good knowledge of hepatitis B, but there are gaps in the practical application of this knowledge. The first year and second year have significantly lower levels of knowledge and practice than third and final year. Most students are positive and ready to take any treatment for patients with hepatitis B. Conclusion: Dental students have the right knowledge and good attitude, but there are misunderstandings. To overcome this, training programs and workshops on HBV infection should be organized annually at the Dental College. In addition, hepatitis B vaccination should be mandatory for students.