Risk factors influencing dentists’ hepatitis B-related knowledge and attitudes and their willingness to treat hepatitis B positive patients

Abstract

This study assessed factors that could predict dentists' knowledge, attitudes and behaviour towards hepatitis B virus (HBV). A total of 300 dentists in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran were surveyed and their demographic, educational and office characteristics were analysed in relation to their scores on knowledge about HBV, self-reported attitudes towards treating people infected with HBV and actual behaviour towards treating simulated HBV-positive patients. Having a Master's degree, faculty membership, taking ≥ 3 continuing education courses, wearing eyeshields, spending more time on preparing dental units and higher self-confidence about knowledge predicted better knowledge. A positive attitude was associated with having attended more courses and working in group practice. The number of courses and a shorter dental unit preparation time positively affected dentists' behaviour. RÉSUMÉ La présente étude visait à évaluer les facteurs permettant de prédire les connaissances, les attitudes et le comportement des dentistes vis-à-vis du virus d'hépatite B. Au total, 300 dentistes à Téhéran (République islamique d'Iran) ont participé à une enquête tandis que leurs caractéristiques démographiques, académiques et professionnelles ont été analysées en lien avec leurs scores pour les connaissances sur le virus de l'hépatite B, pour leurs attitudes autodéclarées concernant les soins accordés aux personnes infectées par ce virus et pour leur comportement réel de soignant envers les patients ayant prétendu être infectés. Être titulaire d'un diplôme de Master, être membre d'une faculté, avoir suivi au moins trois cours de formation continue, porter des lunettes de sécurité, passer plus de temps à préparer les unités dentaires et avoir davantage d'assurance sur ses connaissances étaient des facteurs prédictifs d'un niveau de connaissances supérieur. Une attitude positive était associée à une participation à davantage de formations et à une activité exercée au sein d'un groupement médical. Le nombre de formations et un temps de préparation de l'unité dentaire plus court influaient positivement sur le comportement des dentistes.‫املتوسط‬ ‫لرشق‬ ‫الصحية‬ ‫املجلة‬ ‫العرشون‬ ‫و‬ ‫احلادي‬ ‫املجلد‬ ‫األول‬ ‫العدد‬ 55

Hepatitis C: Knowledge and awareness of private dental practitioners of a tricity in India

“…[ 10 ] Dental and other health-care professionals are one of the most vulnerable groups for work related HCV transmission. Majority of the studies conducted on health-care professionals focus on hepatitis B,[ 11 12 ] but very few studies have been concentrated on hepatitis C. Therefore, the present study was conducted to assess knowledge and awareness of dentists regarding HCV. To avoid recall bias, the study used a close-ended questionnaire as these are easy to analyze and may achieve a quicker response from participants.…”

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Infection Control Measures in Stomatology Students in Lima, Peru

“…The dental staff in these times are exposed to various risk factors that can lead to the spread of countless diseases that are transmissible through various types of fluid such as saliva and blood, especially hepatitis B and HIV that are considered major public health problems [ 1 ]. There are several factors that will directly impact the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dental personnel to care for the various patients with infectious contagious diseases; therefore, it is essential that students handle good theoretical and practical concepts that improve the quality of care and reduce the prevalence of cross infections in the dental practice [ 2 ]. This risk can be increased by accidental injuries during dental treatment; therefore, a safety precaution work philosophy and the practice of infection control among these students should be implemented.…”

“…This risk can be increased by accidental injuries during dental treatment; therefore, a safety precaution work philosophy and the practice of infection control among these students should be implemented. This culture is the responsibility of the dental schools because they must guarantee the adequate measures of infection control and, above all, how to handle these situations of risk [ 1 , 2 ].…”

Dentists?? Health Influencing Psycho-Physiological Factors during Work

“…26% of dentists experience numbness in hands after finishing work, 18% admits that they feel sickness, imbalance or dizziness after work [8][9][10][11][12][13].…”