Knowledge and Perception of dental students towards Hepatitis B and C infection in South Indian dental college

Abstract

Context: Hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV) are known threats to health-care professionals. Optimum knowledge and healthy perception are essential armor that can help dental professionals in treating these patients ethically and safely. Aims: The aim of the study is to assess knowledge and perception of dental students toward hepatitis B and hepatitis C infection. Settings and Designs: A cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess the knowledge and perception of 100 dental undergraduates toward hepatitis B and C infections in a dental college. Subjects and Methods: A self-administered close-ended questionnaire was used for data collection. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive analysis was done, frequencies and percentages were calculated, and Chi-square test was done. Results: The knowledge of dental students regarding hepatitis C was found to be lacking in comparison to hepatitis B. There was found to be some negativity in the perception of dental students toward treating hepatitis B and C patients; however, it was higher toward hepatitis C. Conclusions: Improvising awareness and knowledge toward hepatitis C can be stressed in dental institutions to equip dental students to treat patients ideally. Counseling can be introduced to improvise attitude toward treatment HBV- and HCV-positive patients.