Hepatitis C infection awareness among dental practitioners and interns practicing in Maharashtra, India

Abstract

: The aim of the study was to determine hepatitis C knowledge among dental practitioners and interns practicing in Maharashtra about its transmission, treatment, complication and prevention. A self-administered questionnaire made using Google forms based on questions on awareness of hepatitis C virus (HCV).: A total of 484 students participated, less than 30% of the participants had fair knowledge about Hepatitis C. The Modified Questionnaire was circulated among the participants of Maharashtra through electronic media. The responses were been kept confidential and participants were informed about the same. The data were coded, entered, and analysed using MS EXCEL the only option available Data software. Statistical analysis in the form of frequencies and percentages were used for qualitative and quantitative variables and percentagein their study.: More than 90% of participants of survey had a view that they were aware about Hepatitis C. Generally the knowledge of Hepatitis C spread was good as only about 30%. The view that vaccines are available for Hepatitis C like Hepatitis B was more 55% of them answered this question wrong.: There are serious gaps for which modification and action was required. Since dental curriculum includes subjects like, general pathology, microbiology and virology, and public health dentistry and these aspects includes knowledge on Hepatitis C was expected to be better.