"Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Hepatitis B & C among Dental Surgeons of Khyber College of Dentistry (KCD) Peshawar and Bolan Medical College (BMC) Quetta"

Abstract

Viral hepatitis B and C are a major health concern worldwide, with 170 million people chronically infected and at risk of liver cancer, cirrhosis or liver failure. The modes of transmission include intravenous drug use, blood products, body fluids, tattooing, surgical procedures and sexual intercourse. Thus Health Care Professionals have a high exposure to HBV and HCV infection and are at risk to it. A cross-sectional quantitative survey on 84 House Officers was conducted in Dental Surgeons of Khyber College of Dentistry and Bolan Medical College through a semi-structured questionnaire. Out of total 84 subjects 44 were male and 40 were female, with mean age 24.7+ 1.44. The subjects had good level of knowledge regarding disease transmission, prevention and treatment, which was from 85-90%, generally positive attitudes toward patient care was 67.9% and 59.5% consider doctors at risk of infection. Over all.53% consider media as most convenient source of information. Needle prick was high as 48.3%. 91.7% candidates were vaccinated and some of them attained few lectures regarding hepatitis. Good knowledge which can be improves by formal training and follow of the preventive measures in dental care procedures.