BACKGROUND Hepatitis B is a serious global public health problem. Awareness regarding this serious disease (preventable by vaccination) was lacking among majority of healthcare workers. As risk of occupational exposure to HBV among healthcare workers was a major concern. This study was conducted to assess the level of awareness, attitudes and practice among medical students regarding hepatitis B infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 2014 among 352 undergraduate medical students. Data were collected using predesigned, pretested questionnaire and analysed by using EPI info 3.5.1. RESULTS 93.2% said hepatitis B was transmitted by contaminated blood and body fluid and by unsterilised syringes, needles and surgical instruments. 97.2% said hepatitis B was diagnosed by hepatitis markers test, 89.2% said that vaccination was the choice for treatment of hepatitis B, 94.6% said that vaccination was main source of post exposure prophylaxis and 91.2% said that HBIG was used for post exposure prophylaxis. Most of the students had positive attitude about hepatitis B. Among 352 students, 56.2% were fully vaccinated and 8.8% were partially vaccinated and 35% were unvaccinated. CONCLUSION Different aspects of knowledge about hepatitis B were quite good among medical students, but there was a gap in practice as 44% students were unvaccinated or partially vaccinated against hepatitis B.

BACKGROUNDHepatitis B is one of the major infectious diseases of mankind globally. The risk of occupational exposure to HBV, especially among students in health professions is a major concern. Awareness regarding this serious preventable disease was lacking among them. This study was conducted to assess the level of awareness and practice among dental students regarding hepatitis B infection and prevention. MATERIALS AND METHODSA cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2014 to April 2014. A total of 269 undergraduate dental students were included. Data were collected by self-administered structured questionnaire and analysed by using Epi Info 3.5.1. RESULTSResponse of students regarding transmission-Hepatitis B was transmitted by sex (84.4%), contaminated blood and body fluid (85.9%) and by unsterilised syringes, needles and surgical instruments (95.9%). Regarding diagnosis, treatment and PEP-95.9% said hepatitis B was diagnosed by hepatitis markers test, 90% said that vaccination was the choice for treatment of hepatitis B, 97% said that vaccination was the main source of post exposure prophylaxis and 95.5% said that HBIg was used for post exposure prophylaxis. Good knowledge score was significantly higher among female students (p= 0.038), students aged more than 20 years (p= 0.046) and interns (p= 0.018). Fully vaccination status was significantly higher among interns (p= 0.028) and students who had good knowledge score (p= 0.025). CONCLUSIONThis study showed that overall awareness regarding hepatitis B was quite good among dental students, but there was a gap in practice as 47.6% students were not vaccinated or partially vaccinated against Hepatitis B. So we recommend that all students in the health profession should be vaccinated prior to their entry into professional practices.