Awareness regarding hepatitis B&C amongst undergraduates and graduates of Baqai dental college

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) are highly infectious and contagious which is a major cause of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. They are considered as an important occupational hazards especially for dental surgeons and other health care workers as dental treatment often includes direct exposure to patients’ body fluids. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional- KAP survey was conducted from November 2017to February 2018 amongst undergraduates and graduates of Baqai dental college. The study population included undergraduates (third year BDS, Final year BDS) and graduates (house surgeons and faculty members) of Dental College. The sample size was calculated by using Open epi software version 3.01with estimated prevalence rate of 13%, margin of error 5% and 95% confidence interval. The calculated sample size was 165. Result: A total of 165 undergraduates and graduates participated in the study. Regarding Hepatitis B transmission through saliva, 25(83.3%) of third year students, 43(72.9%) of the final year students, 35(76.1%) of house surgeons and 23(76.7%) of faculty members were aware of salivary transmission. Conclusion: The present study was conducted to evaluate awareness regarding transmission of Hepatitis B and C amongst the dental students (third year and final year), dental house surgeon and faculty members. Keywords: Awareness, Hepatitis B virus, Hepatitis C virus, Infection control.