Knowledge and practices related to Hepatitis B infection among dental and oral hygiene students at a university in Pretoria

Abstract

Aims and Objectives:The aim of the study was to determine the knowledge and practices of dental and oral hygiene (OH) students related to the transmission and prevention of the hepatitis B virus (HBV).Methods:A cross-sectional analytical design was used and all dental and OH students registered at a university in Pretoria in 2017 were asked to participate. Students were classified as either clinical (senior students who were treating patients) or nonclinical (junior students who had not yet started treating patients) depending on their year of study. A pretested, self-administered questionnaire consisting of 16 closed-ended and 4 open-ended questions relating to the students’ knowledge and practice concerning HBV infection was used. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. All data were confidential and anonymity was ensured.Results:A total of 292 (78%) students agreed to participate, and of these, 70% were female. The average age was 21.78 years (±2.7) and almost two-thirds (61%) were classified as clinical students. A significant number of nonclinical students reported that the HBV could be transmitted through saliva (P < 0.01), through shaking hands (P < 0.01) and from sharing a toothbrush (P = 0.02) with an infected person. Clinical students correctly reported that HBV could be spread during the birth process from mother to child (P = 0.03). A significant number of nonclinical students stated that they would use antibiotics to prevent the spread of HBV infection (P < 0.01). The majority of respondents (94%) stated that vaccinations should be taken to prevent infection with HBV and >90% of students reported having completed the vaccination schedule.Conclusion:Although both the knowledge on the virus and the modes of transmission were very good, more than half did not know that HBV infection can be transmitted through piercing and more than half of the nonclinical students wrongly reported that antibiotics can be used to prevent infection after exposure. The vast majority were vaccinated against HBV.

CATANOVA Analysis of Knowledge and Control Practices of Hepatitis B Virus Infection amongst Tertiary University Students

“…Almost similar results were reported in other studies [23,24,25,26,27]. However, dental and oral hygiene students had good knowledge regarding HBV infection and its prevention [28]. Also, good knowledge of the risk factors for HBV infection and awareness of HBV vaccine among medical students were reported in Cameroon [29].…”

Piercing and Oral Health: A Study on the Knowledge of Risks and Complications

“…From this study, it emerged that oral piercings can represent a risk to oral health, as found by Maitland I et al [19]. There is a widespread lack of awareness regarding the complications and correct methods of maintaining oral piercings, as confirmed in the literature, among dental students [20]. Compared to our previous study on adolescents and young adults [6], lack of knowledge was surveyed among older individuals, comparing results of questionnaires to patients wearing oral piercings and directly visited.…”

Factors Associated with Risk Behaviors Towards Hepatitis B Among Migrant Workers: A Cross-sectional Study Based on Theory of Planned Behavior

“…Blood transmission, a signi cant route of HBV infection as well as sexual transmission, should not be neglected. In addition, one-fth of participants in our study were detected sharing personal hygiene products like toothbrushes and/or towels, which would amplifythe possibility of HBV infection through the broken skin [31]. Therefore, health educationtargeting those issues need to be enhanced with migrant workers.…”