Knowledge, Attitude and Practices among Dentists in Relation to Hepatitis-B Infection

Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices among dentists in Edo and Delta States of Nigeria in relation to Hepatitis-B infection.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among dentists in Edo and Delta States of Nigeria. Questionnaire regarding demography, knowledge, gloving practices, worry about contracting hepatitis-B infection, comfort level in case of infected colleague, willingness to treat infected patients, needlestick and sharp injuries and post-exposure prophylaxis was completed from each participant.

Results: Misconception about the mode of transmission of hepatitis-B virus existed among the respondents and 86.0% of them used gloves regularly. Three-quarters (74.6%) of the respondents have received hepatitis-B vaccine and 80.7% of the respondents expressed different level of worry about occupational hepatitis-B virus contagion. Majority expressed willingness to render emergency and routine dental care for hepatitis-B infected individuals but 50.9% would be comfortable if they have infected colleague. Prevalence of needlestick and sharp injuries was high among the respondents but post-exposure prophylaxis was low.

Conclusions: The data from this study revealed misconception about the mode of transmission of hepatitis-B virus, high occupational exposure and high level of worry about occupational hepatitis-B infection contagion among the respondents.