Knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding hepatitis B infection among dental interns of a private dental college in Pune, India: A questionnaire study

BACKGROUND AND AIM: In a dental office, infections can be transmitted through several routes such as direct or indirect contact with blood, oral fluids, droplet spatter, aerosols, etc. Despite the introduction of various programs and strategies, misconceptions about the transmission of hepatitis B, prophylaxis, and vaccination remain widespread. Such lack of knowledge may create fear or discrimination toward dental management of hepatitis B positive patients; hence, it is essential to assess dental interns' understanding of the hepatitis B disease. This study was undertaken to evaluate the awareness regarding hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection amongst the interns of Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Pimpri, Pune, India. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out on 84 interns using a self-administered questionnaire with questions regarding the knowledge, infection control measures, and post-exposure protocols of hepatitis B infection. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software. RESULTS: The mean age of the respondents was 22.42 years. About 17.86% of the respondents were men and 82.14% were women. 71.4% of the interns had moderate knowledge regarding hepatitis B. Only 44.04% of the interns were aware of the correct incubation period of the disease, whereas 57.14% of the interns were aware of the correct vaccination dosing schedule. About 17.86% of the interns were unaware that post-exposure prophylaxis was available for hepatitis B. CONCLUSION: Although majority of the interns displayed moderate knowledge and good clinical practice behavior, vast improvements still need to be made with regard to the awareness of the disease itself as well as the responsibility of all dentists to prevent cross-contamination and to do no harm.